Built for Wellness

How where we work and learn helps us LIVE WELL

“Built for Wellness: How where we work and learn helps us LIVE WELL” is an initiative to inform our faculty, staff and students about the thoughtful and evidence-based design of Jane E. Heminger Hall to advance and promote the well-being of its occupants. Each month, we delve into a different building element, sharing insightful facts on how each aspect supports our goal of being the healthiest university in the world.

July 2024

Light Exposure and Sleep Hygiene 

   As we enjoy the longest days of the year in Ohio, it's a perfect time to reflect on the importance of light and practicing good sleep hygiene. The building in which many of us either work, learn or visit uses both natural and artificial lighting to support our collective well-being and promote optimal sleep once we leave and go to our respective homes. Natural light floods our interiors through strategically placed windows that minimize glare and maximize daylight exposure. This enhances visibility and mood and helps regulate our internal circadian rhythms, promoting alertness during the day and restful sleep at night.

 In addition to natural light, our indoor spaces are equipped with carefully designed lighting solutions. Adjustable task lighting at workstations and communal areas allows individuals to tailor their lighting environment according to their needs and preferences. This flexibility not only supports productivity but also ensures that lighting levels can be adjusted throughout the day to align with natural daylight cycles. 
 

Research conducted by the National Sleep Foundation shows that exposure to natural light during the day and reduced exposure to artificial light at night are essential for maintaining healthy sleep patterns. By integrating these principles into the design of Heminger Hall,   the environment fosters academic and professional excellence and prioritizes the health and well-being of our entire community

Archive 

June 2024:
Elliptical Ramps

As summer approaches and the weather gets warmer, the desire to socialize and engage in physical activity naturally increases. While leisurely outdoor activities may be a luxury for some, here in Jane E. Heminger Hall, we offer a unique opportunity to stay active indoors and remain cool during summer’s heat. The elliptical ramps serve as important connecting walkways between Heminger Hall and Newton Hall and promote wellness through both movement and spontaneous interaction with others as we cross paths. Walking engages the lower body muscles while enhancing cardiovascular health, offering a seamless way to stay active in short bursts during the day. Accessing the ramps via our grand stairs or elevators, everyone can enjoy using these ramps. Our building signifies innovation and progress in wellness promotion, with the elliptical ramps serving as a tangible reminder of the transformative power of movement and social connections.

May 2024: Respite Rooms

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. It is a time when we highlight and prioritize the importance of mental well-being and foster supportive environments for all individuals. As a college, we also commemorate the efforts of our researchers and students who are tirelessly pursuing knowledge to make inroads and solutions for those struggling with mental challenges. Inevitably, there are moments when the stress of day-to-day life can be too cumbersome, even for scholars and people who work in academia. This is why a space to decompress is necessary at work and school. Here in Jane E. Heminger Hall, we have intentionally designed respite rooms on the 2nd and 3rd floors. These rooms are not only a demonstration of our commitment to mental wellness, but also to the overall health and well-being of the future.  The rooms include plush seating, dimmable lighting, and soothing décor to create an ambiance of serenity -- offering temporary break from the stresses of deadlines, exams, grading papers, managing deliverables, and general societal pressures, which is similar to what is seen in the research for similar rooms in clinical settings. Through thoughtful design of tactical elements like soft lighting and soothing colors, everyone who works, learns, or enters our building can access a therapeutic space to unwind and recharge year-round, especially during Mental Health Awareness Month. 

March 2024: Lactation Rooms

In celebration of Women's History Month, we shine a light on our Lactation Room.  Our lactation room is located on the second floor of Heminger Hall, and it not only supports the needs of mothers but also underscores our college's commitment to supporting work-life balance and wellness at large for everyone. Mothers who breastfeed can fulfill their parental duties while managing their professional or academic responsibilities, reducing anxiety and supporting their physical and emotional well-being. Notably, the room is equally beneficial for parents, students, friends, and families alike who can find comfort in knowing their loved one has access to comfortable and clean resources that support their lifestyle needs, whether they work or learn in our building.  By accommodating the needs of mothers on campus—there are more than 60 such rooms across the university’s campuses—and giving them the resources they need to succeed, we provide the groundwork for a healthier, more compassionate work and learning environment for everybody and fulfill important federal law supported by the United States Department of Health & Human Services and US Department of Labor.

 

Happy Women’s History Month

February 2024: Radiant Flooring - Thermal Comfort 

February is debatably one of the most unique months throughout the year. It's in the middle of winter, the shortest month, filled with common milestones and moments of pure comfort we all can appreciate. As you walk around Heminger Hall, engaging in conversations or thinking of different ways to celebrate this month, something is happening beneath your feet that you may not even notice. The floors in our building are built with insulated radiation to help sustain the heat throughout the building, keeping you warm and aiding in your wellness.  

The consistent and comfortable temperature provided by radiant flooring helps create an environment more conducive to learning and working. For example, the radiant system can help reduce discomfort and distractions caused by extreme temperature fluctuations by maintaining an optimal temperature throughout the building. Also, by using less energy to keep a stable temperature, the building’s radiant flooring reduces its carbon footprint, promotes sustainability, and even supports better respiratory health for our faculty, staff, and students since there is an absence of dust circulation and improved humidity in the winter. Overall, the radiant flooring with thermal performance in Heminger Hall enhances comfort and fosters a healthier and more sustainable environment for everyone.  

January 2024: Grand stairs 

 

A new year is often when people have renewed their determination to prioritize new lifestyle goals, like eating healthier or exercising more. Fortunately, here in Heminger Hall, our grand stairs align well with such goals and were designed with the utmost consideration for the physical, mental, and emotional wellness of our faculty, staff, students, and everyone who visits. The staircase is strategically placed at the center of the building, making it easily accessible to all and the natural choice to reach the upper floors. The wide and sturdy steps encourage movement, providing ample space for many people to engage in physical activity. Research in the UK shows that even “short bouts of stair climbing…improves markers for cardiometabolic risk” and more. Each step leading to the other floors were meticulously designed with non-slip materials to ensure the safety of anyone walking up or down the stairs. Also, the incorporation of handrails helps balance and stability. The landing provides the unique opportunity to have a quick discussion with someone, promoting engagement and communication amongst those with whom we work or learn. Overall, our stairs are a means to access different floors within our building, a pathway to a healthier lifestyle, and the ultimate next step in supporting us in accomplishing our shared goals.

December 2023: The Berger Demonstration Kitchen 

Around this time of the year, it's common to start preparing and looking forward to enjoying the holiday season, which many of us may experience and celebrate in different ways. Some may want the simplicity of appreciating the day, while others may spend time with loved ones or are very festive and engage in celebratory practices like gift-giving or cooking a traditional holiday meal. No matter how you approach the holiday, Heminger Hall is constructed with elements that support our faculty, staff, and students all year round. The Berger Demonstration Kitchen provides a unique space for promoting wellness through nourishment. This state-of-the-art residential kitchen serves as more than just a culinary hub—it's a center for nutrition education. Here, faculty, staff, and students can participate in workshops and cooking classes focusing on creating balanced meals. For example, healthy cooking demonstrations are streamed from the Berger Demonstration Kitchen twice/month and led by a team of three: a registered dietitian and culinary educator, a chef and culinary educator, and a registered dietitian and certified diabetes care and education specialist. In less than 20 minutes, the team shares flavorful diabetes-friendly recipes and answers questions about cooking for individuals with diabetes. With an emphasis on healthy eating habits, the Berger Demonstration Kitchen is a catalyst for overall well-being, fosters a sense of community, and empowers individuals to take control of their nutritional health, contributing to our college's culture of prioritizing and supporting the wellness of all of us.

The demos are a collaborative effort of The Ohio State University Diabetes and Metabolism Research Center, Diabetes Education and Nutrition Services and sponsored by Ohio State Wexner Medical Center Healthy Communities Obesity and Nutrition Steering Committee. To learn more and register for the next demo happening on January 9 at 12:00 p.m., please click here: https://wexnermedical.osu.edu/nutrition-services/events. 

November 2023: Fire

Comfort is a word and relative term for every one of us. When comfortable, we can relax, connect with people, and accomplish our best work. Thermal comfort is an important aspect of overall comfort level. In past times, fire was used to help us keep our caves, tents, homes and rooms well-lit. Notably, our college has many features designed to promote comfort and enhance our wellness, and one often used during the winter months and that cannot be undervalued is our fireplace in the Atrium of Jane E. Heminger Hall. The fireplace is beautifully nestled on the first floor of our building to conveniently provide the space for heat to rise and warm everyone in the building. The fireplace also provides an inviting atmosphere and comforting environment; it serves as a gathering space and promotes social interactions and community. Also, a study suggests that the crackling sound of fire and the sight of flickering flames can reduce blood pressure, promote relaxation, reduce stress, and increase a state of calm. Overall, the thoughtfully constructed fireplace in Heminger Hall contributes to a conducive and supportive environment for the mental well-being of our faculty, staff, students and visitors. The next time its chilly outside and you need some warmth, be sure to grab your laptop or favorite book and relax by the fireplace in Heminger Hall.

October 2023: Mind — Access to Nature

As the colors of the leaves change and the weather becomes a bit chillier, October is the perfect month for our faculty, staff, and students to enjoy getting together and learning with one another in a peaceful, warm environment, especially in a building with visually appealing and safe interior finishes and furniture. Research shows that environments have strong implications on productivity.

Here in Heminger Hall, our interior finishes are conducive to our mental well-being. The combination of soft grays and wood paneling on the walls and the mixture of mauves and browns alongside vibrant pops of scarlet on other chairs and sofas promote tranquility and relaxation. Inspirational phrases posted throughout the building remind us of our purpose as an essential element to help us thrive where we work and learn. Additionally, the thoughtful placement of comfortable seating areas, quiet study spaces, and eye-catching artwork of nature contribute to a positive and restorative environment to enhance your creativity, focus, and a sense of community within our building. Finally, the materials selected for finishes and furniture comply with rigorous design standards for limitations on volatile compounds, as a vital component in support of our health and well-being.

September 2023: Light — Exposure and Education

 

This month's feature focuses on the intentional use of technical glass throughout the building. Walking around Heminger Hall, you will quickly notice a plethora of large windows. One of the main benefits of technical glass is that it optimizes natural light transmission while minimizing unwanted glare and reflections, promoting visual comfort for those engaged in long hours of studying and working with complex materials, because our bodies respond to increased national light by becoming more alert (CDC NIOSH light and circadian rhythms). Also, because of its energy containment capabilities, technical glass aids in maintaining a comfortable temperature throughout the building, which is adaptable throughout all seasons. Overall, the technical glass throughout the building helps create a space where we all, faculty, staff, and students alike, can be our best selves and thrive.