Designing for Student Well-Being: The Impact of Sustainable University Hostel Architecture on Mental Health and Academic Performance in Emerging Economies

Abstract

This research paper investigates how sustainable hostel architecture in universities affects the well-being of students in the emerging economies, particularly in terms of mental health and academic achievement. The conceptualization of Hostel environmental quality as determinants of student outcomes involves the dimensions of sustainability that are critical in the quality of the hostel indoor environment, space ergonomics and green design. Quantitative research design was employed and a structured questionnaire was used to gather data on resident of university hostels. SmartPLS was used to analyze the data and determine the measurement and structural models including a reliability and a validity test, a path analysis, and a bootstrapping test. The findings indicate that the positive impact of sustainable hostel architecture on the mental health of students is huge and in turn leads to improved academic performance. Moreover, certain design-related aspects of sustainability show a direct positive impact on academic performance, which highlights the multifaceted nature of the effects of environmental design on education. These results offer empirical support in the form of student housing in fledgling economies that sustainable design concepts can be applied to promote psychological health as well as educational achievement. The research contributes to the discussion of sustainable architecture and student development, providing practical information to the university planners and policymakers as it tries to develop more accommodating and responsive hostel environments.