Improve Mental Health through Music and Design

What if design and music could improve our overall mental wellbeing?

The National Alliance on Mental Health reports that more than 25 percent of college students have been diagnosed or treated for a mental health condition within the past year.

Students in the Department of Environmental Design within the Auburn University College of Architecture, Design and Construction are studying the influence of design and music on mental health. From their research, they have designed various ways for students to encounter music throughout Auburn’s campus.

We are asking for your support to raise $8,000 to enable Environmental Design students to test their hypothesis that music and design can improve a person’s overall mental health.

Students will design and construct two pieces and position them in key campus locations. Once the structures are completed, students, led by Professor Magdalena Garmaz, will observe the health benefits achieved by Auburn University students interacting with the projects.

Your gift will allow two concepts to be created on campus and, if we exceed our goal, we will fund additional structures.

In addition to allowing Environmental Design students to design and construct these concepts, your gifts will bring mental health awareness to the forefront and demonstrate how design influences people on the deepest of levels. As a supporter of the study, you will receive a special report on this project’s findings once the study is complete.

Professors Magdalena Garmaz and Jennifer Smith (ENVD) are leading the project with Professor Alfredo Palacios (Special Education), and Professors Benjamin Buergel and Virginia Kunzek (both from Music) who are also involved with the study.