Rider University opens a 'Zen Den' for restoring students' mental well-being

Rider University partnered with Spiezle Architectural Group to create a relaxation room for students, dubbed "The Zen Den." Built with mental health and wellness in mind, the space serves students in need of recharging and rejuvenating their mental well-being.

The lounge came to life from repurposing an old computer lab on the university's Lawrenceville, N.J., campus. Neighbored with the Student Affairs and Office of Equity and Inclusion, the Zen Den sits in the heart of the university, aligning with Rider's wellness goals.

Spiezle collaborated with multiple university organizations to design the space. With input from student governments and facilities operations groups, the firm landed on a design that fits a vast array of students' needs.

The 'Zen Den' biophilic design and soothing features

The Zen Den is split into zones to accommodate different aspects of mental well-being. With its wide array of furniture, the room can be configured in various ways to allow students unique ways of interacting with the environment. For example, sensory features like hexagon-shaped touch lights offer a calming way to engage with simulated nature. A large forest mural adds to the lounge's biophilic influence as well, alongside its use of wood and neutral furniture color tones.

Spiezle_ Rider Zen Den_ compressed .JPG — Photo courtesy Rider University

Additional features of the Zen Den include large bean bags, lounge seating, and hanging chairs. According to Rider University, the space also benefits neurodivergent students who may have difficulties with overstimulation.

"Spiezle's exceptional work designing and creating this space exemplifies the need for an intentional place to quiet one's mind and spirit to counter the busyness of the day and the external environment," said Dr. Leanna Fenneberg, Vice President of Student Affairs at Rider University. "We didn't want this to be a study space; we wanted it to be a place to breathe and rejuvenate so students can return to their schoolwork feeling refreshed and restored."

Spiezle_ Rider Zen Den_ 3 compressed .JPG — Photo courtesy Rider University

Spiezle_ Rider Zen Den_ 4 compressed .JPG — Photo courtesy Rider University

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