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The Influence of School Landscape Design on Student Wellbeing

Abstract

School landscape design plays an important role in shaping the physical, psychological, and social experiences of students within educational environments. Well-designed outdoor spaces can provide opportunities for recreation, relaxation, social interaction, informal learning, and contact with nature. Conversely, poorly planned landscapes may contribute to discomfort, limited outdoor activity, environmental stress, and reduced opportunities for positive social experiences. This study examines the influence of school landscape design on student wellbeing, with emphasis on how outdoor environmental qualities contribute to healthier and more supportive educational settings. The study focuses on key landscape design elements, including vegetation, trees, lawns, gardens, shaded areas, pedestrian paths, courtyards, seating spaces, play areas, and outdoor learning environments. The location, arrangement, accessibility, and quality of these elements are assessed in relation to student use and experience. Attention is also given to the relationship between landscaped areas and school buildings, recreational facilities, circulation routes, and other outdoor spaces. Particular attention is given to the influence of natural elements on students' psychological and emotional wellbeing. Trees, vegetation, gardens, and views of nature can provide restorative environments that support relaxation and reduce environmental stress. Shaded and landscaped areas may also provide comfortable spaces for students to rest, socialize, and engage in informal activities. The study therefore considers landscape design as an important component of creating supportive and restorative school environments. The study also examines the relationship between landscape design and physical wellbeing. Accessible walking paths, open recreational areas, shaded spaces, and appropriate outdoor facilities can encourage physical activity and reduce sedentary behaviour. Environmental factors such as temperature, shade, air movement, noise, drainage, and surface conditions can further influence outdoor comfort and activity levels. The study considers how these factors interact to affect students' willingness to use and benefit from school landscapes. Other factors influencing student wellbeing include safety, maintenance, accessibility, student age, cultural preferences, school population, supervision, and the availability of spaces for both active and passive activities. Poorly maintained vegetation, inadequate lighting, unsafe pathways, insufficient shade, and inaccessible outdoor areas may reduce the benefits of landscape design. The study recognizes that effective school landscapes should accommodate diverse student needs while balancing recreation, social interaction, environmental comfort, safety, and educational activities. The study aims to assess the influence of school landscape design on student wellbeing and identify landscape characteristics that contribute to positive physical, psychological, and social experiences. The findings are expected to assist architects, landscape designers, educational planners, school administrators, and facility managers in developing healthier and more supportive school environments. The study also contributes to the promotion of nature-responsive and student-centred educational design through effective integration of landscape elements into school planning.

Keywords: School landscape design, student wellbeing, educational environments, landscape architecture, outdoor spaces, natural elements, student health, psychological wellbeing, physical activity, environmental comfort, school gardens, shaded spaces, outdoor learning, school planning.