Interior Design and Psychology Students Collaborate to Create Stress-Reduction Spaces on Campus

In a unique and inspiring intersection of interior design and psychology, a project to create stress-reduction environments at Jefferson emerges as a beacon for student wellness on campus.

Spearheaded by Lisa Phillips, associate professor of interior design and interior architecture, and Dr. Jenna Rieder, assistant professor of psychology, this initiative transforms student well-being by exploring the profound connection between the built environment and mental health. The partnership between these programs began a few years ago, ignited by a shared commitment to understanding stress.

“Lisa and I started thinking about studies around stress, which is my area of focus,” Dr. Rieder explains. “Our work evolved into a broader collaboration that has flourished into multiple projects and publications.”

The pair worked together to have their students create these environments on Jefferson’s East Falls Campus. This year, they received a Jefferson Center for Faculty Development and Nexus Learning Pedagogy Grant to enhance student experiences and engagement in this project.

Innovative Interventions for Stress Reduction
Highlights of the interventions include thoughtfully constructed spaces that provide transformative experiences. “Students created study booths to offer privacy and reduce noise, providing essential sanctuaries for focus and preparation,” says Phillips of one project.

Another involved creating a fully enclosed space with tactile materials and comforting colors—a private environment for self-soothing and reflection.

A third intervention showcases light therapy. “Students designed a structure that envelops the head, applying various hues and temperatures of light to boost mood and cognition,” Dr. Rieder says.

They investigated how different light types can influence student well-being, demonstrating their research skills in a practical setting, she adds.

Thanks to the grant, interior design students created these stress-reducing interventions for campus with real materials, informed by research done by psychology students, who eagerly participated, Dr. Rieder says.

“They weren’t required to do this,” she says. “They sought opportunities to apply their learning outside the classroom.”

For interior design student Haley Nelson, the project showed the importance of adjusting design based on elements that may inhibit or limit users.

“The psychology students provided research and data on what environments people feel most comfortable in and stressed often-overlooked elements, such as claustrophobia and different heights of students,” she says.

A Testament to Transformative Collaboration
The benefits of these interventions extend far beyond aesthetics. “We’re providing students with spaces that foster mental well-being,” Phillips says. “For students feeling overwhelmed, spaces for contemplation or privacy can make a significant difference.”

This project emphasizes the importance of wellness and equips students with essential skills for their future careers, says Dr. Rieder, noting this initiative demonstrates how collaboration can amplify their work and positively impact lives.

“It’s about showing them they can change environments to improve mental health,” she says.

Psychology student Mina Korkmaz called the collaboration refreshing. “Working with students with different perspectives and ideas from mine led to exciting and engaging conversation,” she says.

As this initiative continues to thrive, it stands as a testament to the transformative power of interdisciplinary teamwork in creating a healthier campus environment, Nelson says. “These experiences reinforced the value of collaboration and how combining knowledge leads to more innovative solutions.”