Indoor air quality (IAQ) is really important for students’ health and success in school. When we design spaces in universities, we need to think about how the air inside affects students. Many studies show that bad air quality doesn't just make students feel sick—it can also hurt their ability to learn and do well in school. Because of this, architects and designers should focus on keeping the indoor environment healthy and supportive for learning.

Here are some key points explaining why indoor air quality is so important:

1. Health Effects

   • Poor indoor air quality can lead to more students missing school. If students are sick due to bad air, they are more likely to skip classes. This can hurt their learning and grades.
   • Long-term exposure to air pollution can cause serious health issues. This can affect not only their learning now but also their future.

2. Thinking Skills

   • Air quality also affects how well students can think and learn. High levels of carbon dioxide and other pollutants can make it harder for students to pay attention, remember things, and make decisions.
   • For example, a study found that people exposed to high CO2 levels did worse on tests that measure thinking skills. In a classroom, this could mean students struggle to stay engaged and understand lessons.

3. Better Building Designs

   • Architects and designers should use smart, eco-friendly strategies to improve indoor air quality. This could include using natural ventilation, choosing better building materials, and using technology to keep an eye on air conditions.
   • Choosing materials that don't release harmful substances can help. Designs that include natural light and plants can also make spaces feel better and support students’ well-being.

4. Keeping Air Quality in Check

   • It’s important to constantly check indoor air quality. Having technology that measures the air can help teachers and school staff know when they need to make changes.
   • Regular cleaning and maintenance are key too. Keeping spaces clean helps reduce dust, mold, and other things that can make students sick.

5. Using Green Standards

   • Following green building standards, like LEED or WELL, can guide how universities build and maintain their buildings. These standards help make sure the indoor environment is healthy, which can also improve the university's reputation.
   • These standards focus on good ventilation, using eco-friendly materials, and maximizing natural light to create a better indoor environment.

6. How It Affects Learning

   • Better indoor air quality leads to better learning. Research shows that classrooms with good air quality can help students get higher grades and stay more engaged.
   • In one case in the UK, improving air circulation and reducing pollutants helped raise student performance as much as if they had gone to school for months longer.

In conclusion, good indoor air quality is vital for students’ health and their ability to learn. As universities work on creating healthier environments, they need to focus on making the indoor air as clean as possible. By designing smartly, using the right materials, keeping up with maintenance, and following recognized standards, schools can create spaces that help students thrive.

Focusing on how buildings affect health is something schools should pay more attention to. It's important for future architects to understand how indoor air quality impacts students. By investing in good indoor environments, we can see big improvements in students’ health, happiness, and school success—benefits that go beyond just the classroom and prepare them for the future.