Perhaps more than ever, today’s students are stressed. They are overscheduled, overstimulated, and overwhelmed. In a world full of distractions, events, extracurricular activities, devices, screens, and competitiveness, there is a lot of noise – literally and figuratively. Kids are overscheduled: going from the learning environment to extracurricular activities to sporting events where the level of competition is perhaps the highest it’s ever been. They are overstimulated: with smartphones, tablets, computers, TVs, and smart boards all fighting for attention, today’s students and educators have more ways to communicate than ever, which can mean never turning that communication off. They are overwhelmed: the pressures of high achievement, overcrowded classes, and disruptive behaviors can easily lead to a feeling of being overwhelmed, with no relief in sight. It’s all a lot to take in, and it can sometimes lead to an environment of stress and noise.
Ahhhh... THE BENEFITS OF A CALMING ROOM
BY MARY MOWAD GUITEAU, IIDA, IFMA
This rendering depicts a calming room which includes the elements of color, sound, materials, and nature. When direct views to nature are not possible, incorporating natural elements or imagery into the space can serve the same purpose.
HOLLY & SMITH ARCHITECTS, APAC
Q: So how can an educational environment counteract that stress and noise?
A: By providing a calm space that can serve as a respite from the chaos. A calming room.
A calming room can be described as a designated space intentionally designed to help students take a break, defuse anger, and re-center outside of the classroom. It is a supportive, therapeutic environment that can assist students in self-calming efforts by offering them a space to relax and self-regulate. It can be used for prevention to deescalate emotions or anxiety before one gets too overwhelmed. It is designed to calm the senses so the students can experience calming visual, auditory, and tactile stimuli. The spa-like atmosphere of calming rooms can help students find peace in turbulent times.
BENEFITS
The benefits of a calm space are immense. It can provide a sense of well-being by allowing a place to slow down and breathe. It can improve mental health by giving time to refocus and/or diffuse. It can provide quiet time amid the noise.
ELEMENTS
The elements of a calming room include colors, materials, sound, and nature. Colors are typically muted, soothing tones that invoke a sense of peace. Materials include soft, natural textures and patterns. Sound consists of both acoustical dampening to control outside sounds and calming music to bring in soothing sounds. Nature is best when it involves actual views to the exterior, but when that is not possible, bringing in nature through imagery or indoor plants is also beneficial.
COLORS SOUND
MUTED, SOOTHING TONES
MATERIALS
NATURE
HOLLY & SMITH ARCHITECTS, APAC
SOFT, NATURAL TEXTURES ELEMENTS OF NATURAL IMAGERY, PLANTS
EXAMPLE OF A CONVERSION
H/S was tasked with creating a calming room at a local high school. Below is an example of the existing room being converted into a calming room. The use of cool colors, soft textures, acoustical dampening, and natural imagery invokes a sense of peace.
Existing Space
H/S EXPERIENCE As human beings, we spend our personal and professional time within the built environment. As Architects, we are privileged to create spaces where people can gather, live, learn, work, eat, sleep, and worship. Therefore, it is incumbent that we design spaces that enhance the quality of life and nurture a greater passion for living. Our design approach is influenced by the environment, culture, and community in which architecture exists. To take it further... We Design for Life.
hollyandsmith.com
Transformed Space
In a world full of literal and figurative noise, a calming room can be a respite, a refuge, and a place to recharge, even if only for a few minutes in a student’s day. Those few minutes could make a world of difference in that student’s life. That space could help convert feelings of overstimulation, anger, or sadness to calm, peace, and joy. A calming room promotes well-being, mental health, and quiet time… three things that overscheduled, overstimulated, and overwhelmed students need more than anything. It can give them the time and space to take a deep breath when it’s needed most…… Ahhhhhh. ■
Mary Mowad Guiteau is an Associate Principal and Director of Interior Design at Holly & Smith Architects. She is a member of the International Interior Design Association and International Facility Management Association. She has been involved in the design of education facilities for over 26 years.
HOLLY & SMITH ARCHITECTS, APAC
