Schools are spending millions of dollars on social-emotional learning programs, social workers and hotlines to support the mental health of students. Another possible solution that school district leaders and teachers should consider is building happy schools — meaning the inclusion of architectural features and structures that encourage feelings of joy and emotional security.

Research has confirmed that the design of buildings can influence levels of stress, mental health, physical well-being and, in the case of schools, student achievement.

But it’s not just researchers and architects who care about the way schools look and feel. Students do as well.

Recently, I served in the Nevada Youth Legislature, which is composed of 21 student representatives appointed by the Nevada state Senate. As part of my duties, I organized a town hall with high school students. Many of us in the room, including myself, attend schools with significant student populations that qualify for free- and reduced-price lunch — an indicator of poverty.

Before the meeting began, I had anticipated that students would talk about their teachers, or the district’s new grading policy, or the rising cost of college. But I was wrong. The students spent most of the time talking and complaining about their school facilities. Among the top concerns were the presence of metal detectors, toilets and bathroom stalls that were permanently out of service, broken bathroom facilities that forced students to use porta-potties and the lack of a central gathering place or student center.

It was evident from this town hall that students did not feel safe or supported — and that their grievances were focused largely on their schools’ physical features.

Given that students may spend up to half of their waking hours (or as much as 35 to 40 hours a week) at school — even more if they play sports or are involved in clubs — schools should be designed in ways that positively affect mental health, which can be achieved by including more windows and natural light, more common areas, quiet zones and/or meditation rooms, natural and tactile materials such as fibers, stones and wood, more greenery, painted landscapes on walls, warm colors, natural wood and outdoor areas such as courtyards.

In his book Happy City, Charles Montgomery wrote, “It is impossible to separate the life and design of a city from the attempt to understand happiness, to experience it and to build it for society.” I believe the idea of a “happy city” can be applied to schools and that it is “impossible to separate the life and design” of a school from its students’ experiences of happiness and mental wellness.

Read the full article about student mental health by Oni Boulware at The 74.