Solar Energy, Space Conservation, and Human Factors: On Designing a Van Home for Wellness

Today’s college students are faced with numerous roadblocks to completing their studies including financial issues, unsustainable housing, and mental health crises. Currently, students are graduating with the highest levels of student debt in recorded history, and studies show that this disproportionately affects minority groups [1]. In addition, many colleges require students to live on campus for their first couple of years, with research showing that student housing costs have increased 10.8% annually for the past 5 years [2]. To make matters worse, college costs have increased 169% over the past four decades while earnings for ages 22-27 have increased by 19% [3]. Consequently, typical living standards today majorly impact the environment in negative ways. For example, in the UK, housing accounts for approximately 27% of carbon emissions due to burning of fossil fuels for electricity and heating [4]. Furthermore, the average size of a home is increasing over time, and thus requiring more electricity. In 2021, the average home is estimated to be 28% bigger than in 1970 [5]. With depression being the number one cause of disability worldwide [6], it is worth analyzing how these factors influence public health. In a survey of almost 300 college institutions, 88% of counseling center directors reported an increase in “severe” psychological problems over the previous 5 years [7]. Estimates also show that more than 1 in 10 college students struggle with an anxiety disorder [7]. Since research shows that participating in travel and leisure positively influences mental health in those receiving psychiatric care [8], we are led to following research question: how can van homes be functionally designed for students as more affordable and sustainably living spaces that are conducive of well-being?