Student Living Monitor findings make one element increasingly clear: the environment in which students reside has a profound impact on their well-being, happiness, and overall success. This chapter, "Happiness by Design," delves into the creation of living spaces that do more than just provide a roof over students' heads—they are meticulously designed by leaders in the student living sector to make their residents feel safe and supported, give them a strong sense of community, and most importantly, make them feel at home.

In this chapter, we present a curated collection of diverse spaces from SLM participants and Class Partners who have successfully integrated principles of happiness into their design ethos. These examples will showcase how elements such as natural light, colour palettes, spatial layout, and incorporation of nature can create uplifting environments.

Whether it's a collaborative workspace that encourages creativity or and socialisation or a tranquil retreat that offers solace and rejuvenation, each setting provides valuable examples into the art and science of designing for happiness.  By prioritising elements such as natural light, community engagement, outdoor/green spaces, and finding the right balance between privacy and social, these spaces demonstrate how physical environments can significantly influence the living experience of their residents.

Entrance And Reception

Indomus, Olympia, Milan

OeAD, Leoben

Milestone, Krakow

The Social Hub, Toulouse

Cafe/Restaurant/Canteen/Catering Spaces

Livensa Living, Getafe

Student Experience, Madrid

The Social Hub, Maastricht

Study Areas

Livensa Living, Lisbon

Milestone, Rotterdam

Homes for Student, Filbert Village, Leicester

Nido Living, Bryggen, Copenhagen

Private Rooms - With Natural Lighting/Big Windows

Amro, Seville

OeAD, Leoben

Student Experience,

Ilive, Campus Living, Frankfurt

Cinema

AMRO, PORTO

Homes for Students, Liverpool

Game/Lounge Area

OeAD, Leoben

Ilive, Campus Living, Frankfurt

Home for Students, Crown House, Sheffield

RESA, Hernán Cortés, Salamanca

Outdoors/Sports/Green Spaces

Livensa Living, Porto

Student Experience, Amsterdam

Homes for Students, Leather Works, Leeds

Aparto, Loom, Dublin

Swimming Pool

The Social Hub, Bologna

Aparto, Pallars, Barcelona

RESA, Campus, Malaga

Gym

AMRO, Pamplona

Student Experience, Amsterdam

The Social Hub, Eindhoven