‘EQUILIBRIUM’ STUDENT LIBRARY: A WELLBEING-CENTRED STUDY SPACE IN UCL’S CRUCIFORM BUILDING

How can nature inspire architects to design healthier spaces? Fungi’s purpose in nature: to process that which no longer serves a purpose to make room for new growth, is the foundation of this proposal. It demonstrates the power nature-based design has, to transform a space which in its current state does not serve its users; to become a healthier, more diverse, and welcoming space which impacts user wellbeing. Considering our innate need to affiliate with nature, and hearing what users of the current space need, enabled a new design proposal of a library which challenges our traditional views of such spaces. With the understanding of nature’s effect on humans and the direct impact it has on learning, this project seeks to offer a solution for study spaces, as it demonstrates what they need to foster a more productive and healthy learning environment.