open area in the center for well being with couches arranged in small circles
Our Work > Case Story

Design for Well Being

Communities of all types are seeing a greater need for health and well-being strategies that go beyond the traditional medical health services. Colleges and Universities took a lead in creating wellness centers and offering targeted services to address rising mental and emotional health needs within their communities. K-12 schools have implemented similar strategies as they are able, whether bringing meditation into classrooms, or creating dedicated wellness centers within their tradition physical education spaces. Creating a safe space for students to seek support, learn holistic strategies to address mind and body wellness, or just step away to take a break has become a necessary and welcome trend.

Key Contacts

christina smiles in front of the windows in the office
Christina S. Bazelmans

Programming and Sustainability Director

AIA, LEED AP BD+C

Sean Brennan head shot
Sean W. Brennan

Marketing and Business Development Director

AIA, NCARB

Principal Chris Lee stands in front of a window and brick wall in the office
Christopher M. Lee

Design Director

LEED AP, CSL

Peter Caruso
Peter A. Caruso, Jr.

Principal

AIA, LEED AP, NCARB

Campus Center for Well Being

Worcester Polytechnic Institute asked LPA|A to renovate an existing space in a central and well-travelled location to create their new Center for Well Being. The center is intended to address social, mental, and emotional needs of the community through a variety of programs and services. Students can take yoga classes, meet with peer counselors, or just relax with a cup of tea in a comfortable and quiet place.

a yoga class with about six people seated in a circle on the floor

“This space was gutted and rebuilt and it reflects who we are now and what we value here at WPI in terms of health and well-being. Look around this space, is this not gorgeous?”

– Charles Morse, WPI Dean of Student Wellness

Wellness in High Schools

When LPA|A worked with the Worcester School District to design Doherty High school, they wanted expanded options for physical education to include yoga, dance and other alternatives to traditional sports activities. The wellness suite adjacent to the gym offers an inclusive place for physical wellness activities for people of all abilities. The guidance suite similarly offers alternative dining, meeting spaces, and self-service resources for mental health.

a gymnasium with tall windows along the back wall

A Place for Contemplation

College of the Holy Cross asked LPA|A to design a contemplative center close to campus yet removed from the activity and stresses of day-to-day campus life, and as a Jesuit College, spiritual retreats are integral to their mission.  There are places to gather for social support, spaces for wellness classes, and countless spots for quiet reflection and meditation, surrounded by nature, whether inside or outside the building.

 

Key Contacts

christina smiles in front of the windows in the office
Christina S. Bazelmans

Programming and Sustainability Director

AIA, LEED AP BD+C

Sean Brennan head shot
Sean W. Brennan

Marketing and Business Development Director

AIA, NCARB

Principal Chris Lee stands in front of a window and brick wall in the office
Christopher M. Lee

Design Director

LEED AP, CSL

Peter Caruso
Peter A. Caruso, Jr.

Principal

AIA, LEED AP, NCARB

Related Projects

the exterior of the front entrance to Doherty Memorial High School

Doherty Memorial High School›
lobby area of wellness center with small groups of people seated

Center for Well Being›

College of the Holy Cross Thomas P. Joyce ’59 Contemplative Center›