Jo Cox Centre is first HE building in UK to achieve WELL Platinum standard
The University of Huddersfield’s Jo Cox More in Common Centre has been awarded with the esteemed Platinum level WELL Certification through the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), the global authority for transforming health and well-being through buildings, organizations and communities.
This award represents the highest level of WELL Certification recognizing design and operational strategies focusing on human health and well-being.
It also represents the first university student amenities building in the UK to achieve such an accolade and only the third Platinum level WELL Certified campus building in the world, setting a new benchmark for the post-secondary education sector to prioritize student health and well-being.
University of Huddersfield Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Tim Thornton commented, “The University’s community and faith facilities represent the same commitments to working for stronger communities, mutual respect and fairness that were championed by Jo Cox. Working with the foundation which bears her name, the University works to break down divisions and build mutual understanding. And WELL Platinum for the Jo Cox More in Common Centre demonstrates that commitment in the design and use of the campus buildings themselves.”
The Jo Cox More in Common Centre Centre, completed in 2023, is at the heart of the University campus. The building is designed to provide a welcoming, calming environment for students and staff of all faiths, or none. It provides the university community with dedicated space to gather, socialise, worship, and celebrate the common factors that unite them – closely aligned with the philosophy of the late Jo Cox MP, who is honoured in the naming of the building.
Biophilic design, including the 'living wall' in the background here, has been central to the plan of the building.“Research shows evidence-based WELL strategies can improve our physical and mental health as well as productivity, and we are excited to see higher education institutions around the world are showing strong interest in adopting WELL to advance health and well-being for students, faculty and staff,” said Rachel Hodgdon, President and CEO, IWBI.
“We applaud the University of Huddersfield for its health leadership by achieving the first WELL Certification across higher education in the UK.”
Lee Felvus, Business Support Manager from the University’s Student Services, says, “Students have praised the design of the building, and the fact that it can be used for more than just prayers. Its central location has been noted as a huge benefit, making it easier for students to go to pray before or after lectures. The centre has been used for a range of activities including faith gatherings, coffee and cake events, wellbeing activities and much more. It is a genuinely unique space on campus, and the experience of visitors is enhanced by the environment that has been justly rewarded with WELL Certification Platinum status.”
Forsta Projects, the WELL consultant for the project, and architect designer Bond Bryant, construction contractor Morgan Sindall Group, worked in seamless collaborations with the University integrating feature opportunities focused on the campus and building management, human resources, operational policies, and incentive schemes for the University to adopt to JCC in order to align with the WELL standard features.
“Not only did this collaborative process with the University make it possible to increase the WELL Certification from originally targeted Silver level to Platinum, it also showcased all the good work the University already do to improve physical and mental health that aligns with the WELL Standard and offered new ideas for how the University can increase on this with policies that can further improve the health and well-being of all occupants,” said Shaun Hill, director of Forsta Projects.
Health-centred WELL design features at the Jo Cox More In Common Centre include:
• advanced indoor air quality and an active monitoring system
• easy access to quality drinking water outlets to promote hydration
• underfloor heating for high level of thermal comfort
• healthy materials throughout
• biophilic designs for increased access to nature
• integrated universal design for equitable enjoyment of the space.
“In addition to design excellence, the University of Huddersfield also demonstrated tremendous leadership by adopting operational and management policies that prioritize student and employee health and earned additional points to achieve WELL Certification at the highest level,” said Ann Marie Aguilar, senior vice president of IWBI’s EMEA region.