How can mindfulness training help architecture students increase their individual health and wellbeing, and can it inform their skills development as design practitioners? Recent surveys in the UK have revealed concerns about the mental health of architecture students. Mindfulness, defined as "paying attention to what’s happening in the present moment in the mind, body and external environment, with an attitude of curiosity and kindness" (MAPG, 2015), is an approach to everyday activities and a formalised set of meditation-based practices which has been proven to improve student health and wellbeing in other disciplines, and in other areas of society. Structured courses in mindfulness or ‘mindfulness based interventions’ (MBIs), such as mindfulness based stress reduction (MBSR), are increasingly used to prevent or treat depression, stress and anxiety, as well as being practiced to enhance focus, productivity and quality of life.
This project, funded by a RIBA Research Fund award in 2017, tested the specific benefits of mindfulness training for architecture students from a personal and professional skills development perspective. Nicole conducted a pilot MBSR programme with twenty Part 1 and Part 2 architecture students, and collected qualitative data pre-intervention, post-intervention and six months post-intervention to measure outcomes. Results revealed a significant increase in the wellbeing of participants. These students affirmed the overall value and relevance of mindfulness training, with several commenting on the ‘dramatic’ and ‘game-changing’ improvements it made to their studies and their lives. The most pronounced positive changes were achieved in stress reduction, being more compassionate to themselves, and improved focus and time management. Enhancement of skills such as spatial awareness, creativity, and curiosity were not as pronounced, however “MBArchI”, a proposed adapted form of ‘Mindfulness-based Architecture Intervention’ training, could emphasise these aspects in the future.
In this talk Nicole will present the research evidence in detail, try some mindfulness practice, and invite an open discussion on wellbeing within architectural education.
Dr Nicole Porter (PhD PGCHE MARCH BPD FHEA) is an Associate Professor in Architecture and Landscape at the University of Nottingham. Her scholarly work spans landscape architecture, urban design and architecture, with a focus on wellbeing and nature. She has produced over 40 academic books, articles, industry publications and conference papers, which she has delivered in over 17 countries.
Ben Channon is an Associate Architect and WELL AP at Assael Architecture. He is also Mental Wellbeing Ambassador at the practice. Ben co-founded and chairs the Architects’ Mental Wellbeing Forum, which seeks to improve mental health for architects.
