CSU Northridge Oasis Wellness Center

An on-campus center for health and well-being

The Oasis Wellness Center, located on the campus at California State University Northridge, was designed to aid student success and retention, while enhancing the health and well-being and life experience of the student body. The objective was to complement the adjacent Student Recreation Center in fulfilling fitness, health and wellness goals for the diverse community of nearly 42,000 students, providing intimate and contemplative environments, as well as health resources.

The design approach focused on bridging the relationship between mind and body. The lounge is an open space that serves as the “living room” for the Center, where students can casually lounge and decompress. The materials, lighting and furniture create a setting intended to be soothing and relaxing. The views and natural daylight from the garden provide a direct connection to nature. An outdoor garden with shaded lounge areas, sculpture garden, fireplace and labyrinth support the tranquil atmosphere of wellness and healing.

The design of the Therapy Rooms is intended to be multi-functional for one-on-one treatments and consulting. These include massage therapy, counseling, chiropractic and acupuncture. The treatment rooms, which are similar to exam rooms, are designed with built-in casework, including counter space, storage and a sink to support a range of treatments. Various meeting and group room of different sizes support flexible scheduling for functions such as peer group meetings and guided meditation. The furniture plays an important role in providing flexibility for the spaces, which can be used as either scheduled or impromptu multi-purpose rooms.

For the sleep therapy, a relaxation room is located directly adjacent to the reception desk. Lockers are provided at the entry for storage so visitors can leave their personal items and disconnect before becoming immersed in nap pods. The space is dimly illuminated and designed as a soothing environment. The enclosure is composed of translucent glass on two walls, with cascading water on the wall facing the entry.