Northwestern University | Doha QATAR | wellness room

Scope of Work

Sada Studio was commissioned to design and deliver a purpose-built wellness room for Northwestern University in Qatar, aimed at enhancing staff mental health, promoting relaxation, and fostering a culture of well-being within the academic workplace.

Our work encompassed the full design lifecycle, from concept development to final design documentation, all in alignment with WELL Building Standards and Northwestern’s internal wellness objectives. The result is a calming, inclusive, and tech-free space designed for mental and physical regeneration.

Key Responsibilities Included:

• Strategic Wellness Planning
  Defined the wellness goals with the client to create a space focused on decompression, mindfulness, and emotional balance—without reliance on formal medical or therapeutic interventions.

• Conceptual Design & Spatial Strategy
  Transformed a 200 sq ft underutilized area into a highly intentional environment integrating biophilic design, acoustic comfort, and ergonomic inclusivity. Considerations included light control, sensory modulation, privacy, and psychological safety.

• Environmental Design Features
  Integrated features to directly support user well-being:

  + Serenity Wall: Multi-layered textile wall offering acoustic and visual calm.

  + Cork Flooring: Soft, sound-absorbing, hygienic surface supporting both movement and meditation.

  + Breath Light: Guided light feature to encourage slow, intentional breathing.

  + Adjustable Lighting: Flexible light levels to support both focus and relaxation.

• Wellness-Driven Material and Furniture Selection
  Curated materials and furnishings to enhance tactile comfort and accessibility. Seating solutions were chosen to accommodate various body types while excluding high-maintenance options like massage chairs for hygiene and inclusivity reasons.

• Nature Integration & Air Quality Enhancement
  Designed and specified a custom Corten steel planter system for air-purifying plants to promote biophilia and improve indoor air quality.

• Digital Detox Strategy
  Created a screen-free environment with a designated phone storage and charging area to encourage mental clarity and disconnection from digital distractions.

• Resource Design
  Developed a built-in educational table featuring mindfulness cards, stretching guides, breathwork techniques, and mental health support resources—accessible without reliance on devices.

• Client Engagement & Design Finalization
  Delivered mood boards, material samples, and furniture proposals for client review. Integrated client feedback into final documentation for procurement and construction phases.

Project Outcome

The Northwestern Qatar wellness room stands as a dedicated retreat for daily decompression, reflection, and restoration—physically and emotionally. With a design rooted in empathy and evidence-based wellness practices, the space reinforces the institution’s commitment to mental health, workplace satisfaction, and long-term employee retention.