The shortlisted student ideas

Qianxiu Li, in the first year of their MA Advertising and Design degree, has an idea to improve the physical library spaces.

 

Qianxiu was awarded second place in the competition.

We asked them all about their idea…

Hello Qianxiu, we’d love to understand more about your submission?
Study with a View explores how to bring a better rhythm to learning through simple spatial and visual design. 

By incorporating soothing visual installations, nature imagery and gentle eye-care reminders, this project helps students alleviate visual fatigue and study stress caused by prolonged screen time. It aims to turn the library into a healthy learning space that fosters both concentration and mental rejuvenation.

An intriguing idea that focuses on study spaces and wellbeing! What was your inspiration?
This is inspired by my personal experience during final exams – staring at a computer screen for long hours left me mentally and visually exhausted. While the ergonomic seating in the library eases physical fatigue, there is no dedicated space designed to relieve visual tiredness. 

I realised that a library can be more than just a place for study; it can also serve as a space to support students' physical and mental wellbeing. My idea to create short restorative spaces in libraries was further reinforced after learning about the Mind and Body Relaxation Nook at the Delft University Library in the Netherlands.

Caring for visual and emotional health ultimately allows students to learn better.

Can you tell us why this is important to you and why students should care about it too?
Libraries are central to students’ everyday academic routines, which makes them ideal places to introduce small design solutions that support wellbeing. 

“Study with a View” encourages students to take short visual and mental breaks so they can return to their work with clearer focus and more energy. Caring for visual and emotional health ultimately allows students to learn better, not harder.

We agree with how important libraries are to academic routines! To wrap this up, can you tell us your favourite University of Leeds library?
My favourite is Laidlaw Library, because it feels both practical and inspiring. 

The space integrates group study areas, quiet zones and flexible seating, making it easy to shift between collaboration and deep focus. The large windows are one of my favourite features – they let natural light fill the room and give me a moment to pause.

Vote for Qianxiu’s idea

If you like Qianxiu’s idea “Study with a View” then you can vote for it to win the Students’ Choice Award.