“The Lantern Student Hub: Designing a Space for Better Mental Health” proposes a space for WPI students to celebrate their accomplishments and strengthen social connections, leading to a positive increase in mental health and well-being. This project assesses student mental health levels nationally and at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) and investigates mental health effects of architectural design. The proposed building was informed by other university student centers, the WPI Center for Well-being, and WPI student surveys, leading to a participatory design process for the development of the design. The designed building includes shared activity spaces, an arcade, a bowling alley, a cafe, and multicultural spaces to encourage community-building among visitors. Lastly, the socialization and mental health effects of the design were evaluated using a PANAS survey to assess emotions before and after viewing the space.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Ames, Jesse
• Bauerle, Anna
• Lockhart, Ethan
• Tran, Christina

Subject

• Community
• Infrastructure
• Culture
• Health
• Well-Being
• Inclusion

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• 118478
• E-project-031224-102829

Mot-clé

• Participatory Design
• Well-being
• Architectural Engineering
• Mental Health
• Community
• Socialization

Advisor

• Albano, Leonard D.
• Brown, Crystal
• Farzin, Soroush

Year

• 2024

UN Sustainable Development Goals

• 3 - Good Health and Well-being
• 4 - Quality Education

Date created

• 2024-03-12

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Architectural Engineering

Source

• E-project-031224-102829

Rights statement

• In Copyright