Promoting wellbeing through the university physical environment

Wilbraham, Susan ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8512-0041 , Priestley, Michael, Jones, Emma, Simpson, James and Hughes, Gareth (2025) Promoting wellbeing through the university physical environment. In: British Environmental Psychology Society (BrEPS) annual conference, 4-5 September 2025, University of Nottingham, UK. (Unpublished)

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Abstract

The University Mental Health Charter (UMHC; Student Minds, 2024) highlights the physical environment as integral to staff and student wellbeing. Post-COVID, universities have seen shifts in estate use (e.g., hybrid working, open-plan offices, reduced investment). The impact of these changes on wellbeing is not yet fully understood. To support universities to meet the Charter principles of good practice, the current study sought to explore how the design, use, and management of university spaces can influence wellbeing. University staff were recruited through online adverts and blog posts, data was then collected using a qualitative online survey (n = 129 staff) and focus groups (n = 17 staff across four groups). Reflexive thematic analysis was applied and 8 broad themes were identified: The university’s physical environment must be practically fit for purpose; Sensory experiences impact interactions with the physical environment; Access to natural and green/blue space is highly valued by staff; The temporality of the university environment affects wellbeing; The physical environment has relational and pedagogical consequences; The physical environment can foster or impede a sense of belonging; Accessibility and inclusivity must be prioritised to accommodate diverse needs; Universities must navigate and balance conflicting needs in shared environments.

Item Type:	Conference or Workshop Item (Poster)
Departments:	Institute of Health > Psychology and Psychological Therapies
Additional Information:	Dr Sue Wilbraham, PhD, Senior Lecturer in Applied Psychology, University of Cumbria, UK.
Depositing User:	Susan Wilbraham
Date Deposited:	18 Sep 2025 09:23
Last Modified:	18 Sep 2025 09:30
URI:	https://insight.cumbria.ac.uk/id/eprint/9046

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