Christian Bassaw

This paper investigates the design of a primary school in Mvera, Malawi, with a focus on Outdoor Learning Environments (OLE) to enhance the educational experience. It explores how natural, culturally relevant educational environments can support creativity, problem-solving, environmental awareness, and holistic child development. Situated in one of the world’s least developed countries, Malawi faces significant challenges, including low income levels and limited infrastructure. In response, the proposed design offers an environmentally sensitive and contextually appropriate solution. Key features include shaded outdoor classrooms, multifunctional courtyards, and play areas that support motor skill development and experiential learning. The integration of indigenous play activities encourages group learning and reflects the local culture. Grounded in a review of literature on outdoor education, cultural relevance, and sustainable architecture, the paper presents design recommendations tailored to Malawi’s environmental and cultural context. The findings underscore the transformative potential of outdoor learning environments (OLE), particularly in resource-constrained regions, and highlight the importance of integrating traditional practices with sustainable design solutions. Ultimately, this research advocates for an integrated approach to school design that strengthens environmental connection while supporting children’s physical, cognitive, and social development.

Low Back Pain (LBP) represents a rising public health issue that affects women in desk-bound government office work more frequently than other groups. Technological advancement in work practices leads to increased spinal strain, which speeds up disc deterioration and raises the risk of LBP, particularly among women aged 49–50 who face additional hormonal and anatomical challenges. This paper reviews how the implementation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in public administration workflows creates conditions that lead to increased sedentary behaviors, which subsequently cause LBP in female office workers. The combination of extended static work at desks with AI technology adoption through automated scheduling systems, document processing software, and digital communication platforms results in reduced movement, task variety, and postural change for government employees. It applies Cumulative Load Theory to explore how AI-driven automation increases occupational and ergonomic risks, leading to musculoskeletal disorders through prolonged low-level biomechanical stress. The discussion demonstrates that AI will unintentionally perpetuate dangerous sedentary behaviors in public sector workplaces unless organizations implement proactive workplace redesign and healthinformed policy changes. The review synthesizes 45 scholarly articles, emphasizing the importance of workplace ergonomic solutions that cater to gender differences, including adjustable furniture, task rotation, and AI-based wellness platforms. This review supports the emerging field of knowledge that promotes digital transformation strategies aligned with occupational health priorities in government institutions that employ a large number of female administrative staff.

The healthcare environment of recovery rooms is critical and is often overlooked as a predictor of patients' physical and psychological recovery. Research has proven that incorporating natural elements, such as green spaces, sunlight, and biophilic designs, helps reduce recovery time, decrease reliance on medication, and improve mental health outcomes. This paper reviews previous findings to establish how natural resources can accelerate recovery, reduce the need for medications, and improve the patient’s mental health. The paper applies Attention Restoration Theory (ART) to explain how nature helps reduce cognitive fatigue and, consequently, facilitates recovery. The study's findings indicate that healthcare organizations should consider incorporating natural elements into their buildings, as this is an affordable way to enhance patients' well-being. The central thesis is that natural details enhance the cognitive restoration process and, therefore, decrease mental fatigue, which may lead to faster recovery. Ultimately, this paper explains how integrating nature into the design of healthcare facilities can be a cost-efficient way to achieve better patient recovery and, thus, better health and hospital environments

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that creates social interaction, communication problems, and sensory processing difficulties, which create substantial learning challenges for children in standard educational settings. The combination of hypersensitivity and hyposensitivity in autistic students creates overwhelming anxiety when they experience transitions through hallways and corridors. Research shows that sensory-informed interior design promotes engagement, comfort, and self-regulation for learners with ASD. Grounded in Sensory Integration Theory, this paper reviews current research on how transition space design can be harnessed to foster greater independence for children with autism. The methodology involved a synthesis of interdisciplinary peer-reviewed articles covering sensory-friendly strategies, spatial zoning, adaptive technologies, and biophilic principles within learning environments. The research indicates that transition spaces with carefully planned acoustic control, calming lighting, and visual navigation tools, as well as designated spatial protection areas and self-regulation zones, can help reduce stress levels and behavioral problems. These design strategies enable autistic children to handle transitions more effectively while improving their ability to navigate spaces independently. The paper presents evidence-based design recommendations that unite theoretical knowledge with practical applications to establish sensory-sensitive transition areas that support the independence, active involvement, and emotional well-being of neurodiverse children.