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Valencia - Spain
WELL UPV pilot space: transforming a classroom to transform the way we learn
Education
At the Universitat Politècnica de València, an underused classroom with a traditional configuration has been converted into an active, healthy and flexible environment that redefines the educational experience. The WELL UPV Pilot Space demonstrates how design, neuroarchitecture and furniture can transform not only the space, but also the way the university is learned, taught and inhabited.
The WELL UPV Pilot Space is a pioneering classroom located in its School of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering (ETSIAMN) designed according to the criteria of the international WELL Building standard. The space has been conceived by the CU4 Arquitectura studio, with the collaboration of the UPV Neuroarchitecture Laboratory and Actiu, and promotes the physical and emotional health of students and teachers by applying the principles of WELL accreditation, which certifies the level of wellbeing in built spaces.
"In this classroom, neuroarchitecture has been applied to a specific case. It has been applied through scientific evidence, implementing everything that has been published on neuroarchitecture so far. Issues such as lighting, the influence of colours or the arrangement of furniture on the geometry of space. In the same way, we have also applied experimental evidence, working with students and teachers as if we were in a laboratory. Using neuroscience beacons, collecting neurophysiological records and analysing the cognitive processes within this space", explained Carmen Llinares, director of the UPV Neuroarchitecture Laboratory.
This WELL UPV pilot space has been designed based on scientific criteria that relate the physical environment with the functioning of the different systems of the human body (such as the nervous, endocrine and cardiovascular systems) with the aim of optimising the performance and comfort of the students.
Target
The starting point was a conventional classroom, with a rigid structure and limited use, which had been relegated within the university dynamics. A space with potential, but unactivated, that did not respond to the new ways of learning or to the real needs of students and teachers.
The WELL UPV Pilot Space redefines the classroom as an environment that actively cares for people. The project places the physical and emotional well-being of students and teachers at the centre of the educational process, understanding design as a tool capable of transforming the learning experience.
The challenge was to reverse this situation and turn it into an environment capable of improving concentration, creativity and interaction. To this end, the project is based on scientific criteria linked to neuroarchitecture and some of the principles of the WELL standard, understanding space as an active agent in cognitive and educational processes.
But beyond the physical intervention, the classroom was also to become a pedagogical tool in itself: a place to experiment, measure and understand how the environment influences people.
The UPV WELL Space is designed to optimise the performance and comfort of both students and faculty.
Solution
By analysing variables such as attention, memory and creativity, the project develops architectural solutions aimed at optimising the performance, comfort and health of those who live there. "In this classroom we have completely modified the design process based on scientific evidence and through previous and subsequent measurements of the people and the space, thus demonstrating the improvements in people's wellbeing in this type of pilot classroom", explained Anna Ferrer, architect of Cu4Arqutiectura .
The intervention affects key factors such as lighting, air quality and acoustic comfort. Acoustically, the use of sound-absorbing materials reduces reverberation and improves speech intelligibility, creating a more friendly and efficient environment. The selection of materials with low levels of volatile organic compounds also helps to ensure a healthy indoor atmosphere.
"The classroom incorporates a biodynamic lighting system from Simon that adapts to the students' circadian rhythms. Throughout the day, the light modifies its intensity and spectrum to favour attention, memory, creativity and cognitive performance, naturally accompanying people's biological cycles," explained Nuria Castilla, lighting specialist at the UPV's Neuroarchitecture Laboratory.
The furniture, developed by Actiu, introduces movement as part of the experience. The active solutions make it possible to alternate between different postures, encouraging mobility and reducing sedentary lifestyles. At the same time, the flexibility of the space facilitates diverse configurations ranging from traditional classes to collaborative dynamics, group work sessions or open meetings.
"In a context where we need to work in a collaborative, innovative and creative way, spaces are often not prepared to facilitate these dynamics. In this project, the flexible furniture allows the classroom to adapt to the needs of each moment and each user, generating more open, active and people-centred environments", explained Soledat Berbegal, director of Brand Reputation at Actiu.
The project also incorporates biophilia criteria by integrating natural elements that reinforce the psychological well-being and connection with the environment of the Greenarea firm. In this context, the design not only organises the space, but also builds an atmosphere that favours more horizontal relationships and new forms of interaction between people.
As part of the process, the classroom has been conceived from a participatory and measurable logic. From initial evaluation to subsequent monitoring, the project seeks to quantify the real impact of the environment on well-being and learning, consolidating itself as a living laboratory. The result is a dynamic, efficient and people-centred environment, where design is not a neutral background, but an element that drives new forms of learning.
Learning space from the inside
One of the most relevant aspects of the project has been its direct link to teaching. The classroom has been used as a case study in the course "Neuroarchitecture: Introduction to emotion, cognition and health in architectural spaces", allowing students to experience first-hand the effects of design on their own well-being.
Through this experience, the students were able to see how variables such as light, acoustics, ergonomics and furniture layout influence their attention, comfort and performance. Space ceases to be a container and becomes a system that is perceived, analysed and understood.
This experiential dimension has been key to reinforcing learning, demonstrating that the education of the future relies not only on content, but also on the environments that make it possible.
A recovered piece of art
The transformation of the classroom has also made it possible to recover and enhance an element that had gone unnoticed for years: a large-format historic ceramic mural.
The new, more open and flexible layout of the space has brought this work back into the limelight, integrating it into the everyday classroom experience. What was once an ignored element has now become a visual and emotional point of reference.
Made in socarrat technique with enamelled parts, the mural represents an allegory of crops throughout the seasons of the year. Signed by Cillero and possibly in collaboration with Javier Clavo, it has been restored and moved through a process coordinated by different areas of the UPV.
Its presence not only enriches the space from an aesthetic point of view, but also reinforces the link between heritage, identity and wellbeing, incorporating a cultural dimension that broadens the user's experience.
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Address: Parque Tecnológico Actiu,
CV-80 motorway, Onil-Castalla exit,
03420 Castalla (Alicante).
TAX ID: A03137874.
Telephone: +34 966 560 700
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In the case of images captured by our video surveillance systems, these images will be kept for a maximum period of one month.
In the case of sound, video and other images, they may be retained for educational, informational and/or promotional reasons (internally and externally) for a longer period of time, especially if they have been published on portals, networks or other media. In such a case, personal data will be limited to that strictly necessary for the maintenance of such information.
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ACTIU undertakes to maintain the confidentiality of the personal data provided, as well as to apply the security measures provided for in Spanish and European legislation, and to require third parties to whom the data is communicated to adopt identical measures.
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All personal data related to the organisation and management of events are stored in secure computer applications and servers, as well as in specific electronic folders accessible only to authorised persons. ACTIU systems and servers are password protected and require an authorised username and password for access. Information is stored securely to safeguard the confidentiality and privacy of the data it contains. Paper documents are kept in secure cabinets or files.
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We reserve the right to modify this Privacy Policy at any time and without prior notice, especially due to possible changes in regulations, jurisprudence or the criteria followed by the competent authority or the Spanish Data Protection Agency, so it is advisable to visit it regularly. Changes and clarifications will come into force immediately after their publication on the website. If we make material changes to this policy, we will notify you here that it has been updated.
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Address: Parque Tecnológico Actiu,
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03420 Castalla (Alicante).
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Telephone: +34 966 560 700
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Last updated: February 2023
Applications for selection processes
Maintenance of your data
The data will be kept for a maximum period of 2 years from its incorporation into our database or from its last update or modification carried out or requested by the candidate, being subsequently deleted or unusable on its servers as far as the security and data management system allows it. We inform you that you can update or modify your CV in our database at any time by re-entering it or informing us in writing.
Data processing by third parties
We inform you that ACTIU's service providers may have access to your data when it is necessary for the management of the services provided or contractual relations established with ACTIU, as well as for the maintenance of its systems (data storage, computer support and systems maintenance, legal, tax or accounting consultancies, transport companies or travel agencies). Some of these companies may be located outside the European Union, so we will ensure that these suppliers comply with the guarantee requirements demanded by the applicable regulations on personal data protection. If you wish to request information about the suppliers with access to your data, you can contact us at lopd@actiu.com.
All the entities referred to in this section will use this data for the same purposes and subject to the same conditions specified in this Privacy Policy.
ACTIU undertakes to maintain the confidentiality of the personal data provided, as well as to apply the security measures provided for in Spanish and European legislation, and to require third parties to whom the data is communicated to adopt identical measures.
Acceptance of the privacy policy
Submitting your CV or your application for any of the positions published on our website implies that you have read, understood and accept ACTIU's privacy policy, giving your consent for Actiu to process and transfer your personal data according to the conditions indicated in this Policy. To this effect, if you use our web portal, you must tick the acceptance option before sending your CV and/or application. In case of delivery or remission by other means, this Privacy Policy will apply to you, informing you that you can make use of your rights as informed in the point "User rights".
We inform you that your refusal to provide the required data or your non-consent to the use of the same in accordance with this policy will prevent us from processing your application.
Ethical channel
Maintenance of your data
The data processed when you file a complaint through the Ethical Channel or any other alternative method may be kept in the information system only for the time necessary to decide whether to initiate an investigation into the facts reported. In any case, if three months have elapsed since the receipt of the communication without any investigation having been initiated, they must be deleted, unless the purpose of their retention is to leave evidence of the operation of the system. If, in fact, the aforementioned possibility of conservation is chosen, the Head of the Internal Information System shall report on the appropriateness of leaving the aforementioned evidence, adopting all the custody measures that may be appropriate. In these cases, the user may not exercise his or her right of objection and suppression.
In any case, personal data relating to information received and internal investigations will be kept for as long as necessary, although the data may not be kept for a period of more than ten years under any circumstances.
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Access to the personal data contained in the Internal Information System shall be limited, within the scope of their powers and functions, exclusively to the following persons:
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However, the processing of the data by other persons or even the communication to third parties shall be lawful, when necessary for the adoption of corrective measures in the entity or the processing of the sanctioning or criminal proceedings that, as the case may be, may be applicable.
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Processing of data by third parties
We inform you that ACTIU service providers may have access to your data when it is necessary for the management of the services provided or contractual relations established with ACTIU, as well as for the maintenance of its systems (data storage, IT support and maintenance of systems, or legal advice). Some of these companies may be located outside the European Union, so we will ensure that these suppliers comply with the guarantee requirements demanded by the applicable regulations on personal data protection. If you wish to request information about the suppliers with access to your data, you can contact us at lopd@actiu.com.
All the entities referred to in this section will use this data for the same purposes and subject to the same conditions specified in this Privacy Policy.
ACTIU undertakes to maintain the confidentiality of the personal data provided, as well as to apply the security measures provided for in Spanish and European legislation, and to require third parties to whom the data is communicated to adopt identical measures.
Disclosure
We may disclose your personal information if we are required to do so by law or if you breach our terms of service.
Acceptance of Privacy Policy
By submitting a complaint through ACTIU's internal reporting system, you signify that you have read, understood and agree to ACTIU's Privacy Policy and consent to ACTIU's processing and disclosure of your personal information in accordance with the terms and conditions set out in this Policy. To this effect, if you use our web portal, you must check the acceptance option before sending your complaint. In the event of delivery or forwarding by other means, this Privacy Policy will apply to you, informing you that you may exercise your rights as described in the section "User rights".
We inform you that your refusal to provide the required data or your non-consent to the use of the same in accordance with this policy will prevent us from being able to process your request.
In relation to the Data Controller, Purposes and legitimacy for processing, User Rights and Changes to the Privacy Policy, we refer to the general part of the ACTIU Privacy Policy.
Date of last update: May 2025
