Mind Support and Design Collaboration: Ministry of Education Assists 8 Universities in Transforming Counseling Spaces

(Taipei, June 15 — Reporter Hsu Chi-wei) To optimize student support systems and counseling service environments, the Ministry of Education has commissioned the Taiwan Design Research Institute to implement the 'Learning Beauty, Nurturing Hearts' initiative. In 2025 (academic year 114), the program supported eight universities in creating counseling spaces that foster safety, companionship, and emotional healing.

The Ministry of Education announced today that the 'Learning Beauty, Nurturing Hearts—University Counseling Space Transformation Project' has entered its second year, successfully completing renovations at eight institutions: Southeast University of Science and Technology, National Taipei University, Lung Hwa University of Science and Technology, National Dong Hwa University, Southern Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Tainan University of Technology, Tainan Junior College of Nursing, and Shu-Te University.

Southeast University of Science and Technology collaborated with architect Lin Tzu-wen’s team, using flowing curves and layered materials to allow students to freely choose between interaction and privacy based on their emotional needs.

Southern Taiwan University of Science and Technology partnered with Yong-Zhe Design, employing multi-layered transitional design and curved, flip walls to enhance external guidance to counseling resources while creating an enclosed, secure interior atmosphere.

National Dong Hwa University worked with Best Solution Design, whose core design elements—gradation, softness, roundness, and stacking—used visual screening and gentle colors to create a restful space where students, faculty, and even pets can comfortably stay.

Tainan University of Technology adopted the concept of 'Fertile Soil.' The Yang-Chu Architecture Team reorganized fragmented spatial functions, using transitional pathways and soft color schemes to guide students and faculty into a calming, reflective environment.

To showcase the results of two years of spatial transformation, a special exhibition titled 'Glimmers in Daily Life: Design Interventions in Campus Counseling Spaces' will be held from June 16 to August 2, 2025, at Gallery 04 of the Taiwan Design Museum in Songshan Cultural and Creative Park, Taipei. The Ministry will continue promoting the optimization of campus counseling spaces, fostering collaboration between psychological counseling and design professionals to create campus environments that are both aesthetically pleasing and emotionally supportive. (Edited by Kuan Chung-wei) 1150615