Submit your papersSubmit Now
For Enquiries: [email protected]
IIARD LogoIIARD

Spatial Stressors and Mental Wellbeing Among Architecture Students in Design Studio Environments at Caleb University, Lagos, Nigeria

Victor O. BODUNDE, Toluwanimi E. ARIGBEDE, Emmanuel U. CHUKWU, Jamaaldeen LAWAL, Opeyemi A. ASAJU, Obafemi A. IBITOYE

Abstract

The Architecture design studio environment serves as the single most essential space for students, where prolonged hours are being spent to develop creative, technical, and problem-solving skills. With that being said, the physical condition of this space however, possesses the ability to expose students to various spatula stressors like overcrowding, poor ventilation, inadequate lighting, excessive noise, thermal discomfort, and limited personal workspace, which may negatively affect the mental wellbeing of the students. There has been a growing concern on mental health in the university environment, and this has made the quality of learning environments an important area of research, particularly within architecture education where academic pressure and studio culture are highly demanding. Aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), this study aims to assess the relationship between spatial stressor and mental wellbeing among architecture students in design studio environments at Caleb University, Lagos, Nigeria. A quantitative research methodology will be adopted, by employing the use of questionnaires that will be distributed to architecture students across different levels within the department. Data collected will be analyzed using Mean Item Score, Relative Importance Index , correlation analysis, and regression analysis.

Keywords

Architectural educationDesign studio environmentMental wellbeingSpatial stressors

References

[1] Al-Jokhadar, A., Alnusairat, S., Abuhashem, Y., & Soudi, Y. (2023). The impact of indoor environmental quality in design studios on the comfort and academic performance of architecture students. Buildings, 13(11), 2883. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13112883 [2] Asaju, O. A., Onamade, A. O., Chukwuka, O. P., & Odefadehan, C. T. (2024). IEQ of studio environment on academic performance of architecture studio. Middle Eastern Journal of Research in Education and Social Sciences, 5(1), 1–7. https://doi.org/10.47631/mejress.v5i1.672 [3] Battisto, D., Hambright-Belue, S., Browning, L., Hall, L., Blouin, J., Dong, J., Li, X., & Price, K. (2024). Mental Health Challenges in Architecture and Landscape Architecture Students. Building Healthy Academic Communities Journal. [4] Bay-Sahin, E., & Shah, N. (2026). Optimising Architectural Studio Spaces: Applying a Psychological Needs Framework to Enhance Student Well-Being. SAGE Open. [5] Brink, H. W., Loomans, M. G. L. C., Mobach, M. P., & Kort, H. S. M. (2021). Classrooms' indoor environmental conditions affecting the academic achievement of students and teachers in higher education: A systematic literature review. Indoor Air, 31(2), 405–425. https://doi.org/10.1111/ina.12745 [6] Deci, E., & Ryan, R. (1985). Self-Determination Theory and the Facilitation of Intrinsic Motivation. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. [7] Gümüşburun Ayalp, G., & Çivici, T. (2021). Burnout in architecture students: The role of studio culture norms. TPM – Testing, Psychometrics, Methodology in Applied Psychology, 32(S4). https://doi.org/10.4473/TPM32.S4 [8] MDPI. (2023). The Impact of Indoor Environmental Quality in Design Studios on the Comfort and Academic Performance of Architecture Students. [9] Riva, A., Rebecchi, A., Capolongo, S., & Gola, M. (2022). Can homes affect well-being? A scoping review among housing conditions, indoor environmental quality, and mental health outcomes. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(23), 15975. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192315975 [10] UNESCO. (2021). Reimagining our futures together: A new social contract for education. United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. [11] World Health Organization. (2022). World mental health report: Transforming mental health for all. World Health Organization. https://iris.who.int/handle/10665/356119 [12] World Health Organization . (2022). Mental Health and Wellbeing Guidelines for Educational Environments. [13] Xie, Y., Yaqoob, A., Mansell, W., & Tai, S. (2021). A qualitative investigation of stress related to studying architecture at degree level in the UK. Arts and Humanities in Higher Education, 20(1), 3–20. https://doi.org/10.1177/1474022219871001

More Articles from IIARD INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GEOGRAPHY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT