Safety and Well-Being Trends in Higher Ed
Health-conscious design in universities is more than a fad—it’s a movement. It’s about inspiring cleaner spaces that slow or prevent disease and support health. But our environment is about more than healthiness—it can influence academic performance, too. A study by the Center for Facilities Research at APPA found that 88% of students find unsanitary spaces downright distracting. No surprise that when a classroom is untidy and dirty, it can pester students and make them feel unsafe. They may even question the quality of education. In fact, many students said the condition of facilities helped them decide which university to attend. It’s why we see campuses opting for more sanitary surfaces for walls, whiteboards, tabletops, and beyond. In other words, it’s why they’re choosing glass.
A nonporous surface, like glass, won’t harbor unwanted pathogens, is easy to clean, and requires little to no ongoing maintenance. It’s often tempered for extra durability to withstand potential accidents. And it can be installed anywhere—especially in places that need frequent sanitizing, like bathrooms and high-touch areas like elevator banks and hallways. That makes glass as versatile as it is clean.
But glass isn’t all about physical health—it can also help improve mental health. That’s because it can be fully customized, making it distinct from other materials. One can specify the size, shape, and color or add a beautifully printed image behind the glossy surface. Campuses can clad walls in glass colored with bright, uplifting tones and hues that bring joy and good vibes. Or they can choose a more natural palette like greens, browns, and yellows for a bucolic look. They can show their spirit with school colors splashed throughout entryways and beyond. But colors aren’t all. Print any image on glass, from biophilic artwork to team logos and school mascots. Or opt for natural material prints like stone, marble, and wood instead of paying for (and maintaining) the real thing. Glass especially shines here since those surfaces are highly porous anyway. Facilities can also get creative with countertops and desks made of writable glass. For instance, they can cut unique shapes for desk surfaces that allow them to connect to form pods for group studying. Or they can add whimsical shapes for whiteboards (made of glass) to add humor and interest to classrooms.
No matter how schools approach mental and physical well-being, it’s hard to go wrong with glass. It’s not just a smart choice—it’s a fresh take on how spaces shape mood, ease stress, and boost focus. It’s about crafting a place where people can bloom. And that, friends, is certainly anything but a fad.
