Psychological comfort as key: enhancing creativity and efficiency in informal learning spaces through cafe ambiance

Increasing mental health challenges among students in traditional learning settings highlight the need to re-evaluate learning environments to enhance psychological well-being and academic performance. Despite extensive research on physical environments’ impact on learning outcomes, there is a notable gap in understanding the role of informal learning spaces, such as cafes, on learning efficiency and creativity. This study addresses this gap using structural equation modeling (SEM) to analyze the interactions between layout, spatial scale, and environmental conditions, utilizing data from 684 university students in Hengqin, China (near Macau). The findings reveal that well-designed layouts and appropriate spatial scales significantly enhance cognitive performance and creativity. Key environmental conditions, including optimal lighting, comfortable temperature, balanced soundscape, pleasant smellscape, and natural elements, are crucial for creating conducive learning environments. These results extend existing theories on the impact of physical environments on learning outcomes and provide practical recommendations for designing flexible, spacious, and sensory-rich informal learning spaces. This research offers valuable insights for educators, designers, and policymakers aiming to improve learning experiences and outcomes through strategic design and environmental management of informal learning spaces.