Architecture Adrenaline
Promoting Freedom for Creative Architecture
The WELL Building Standard is a performance-based certification system that leverages human health and wellbeing as the driving force to change design interventions, protocols, policies and protocols. Comprised of 10 concepts covering Air, Water, Nourishment, Light Fitness Comfort Mind.
The respiratory system is responsible for providing oxygen to the body and expelling carbon dioxide; this system can be affected by air quality, ergonomics and exercise; WELL features are intended to support optimal respiratory function.
The respiratory system serves an integral purpose: protecting against infection, limiting exposure to harmful toxins and pollutants and encouraging fitness. Standard air strategies help avoid damage to lung tissue while simultaneously improving breathing efficiency through filters, water systems and fitness features.
Skin, hair and nails form the body's integumentary system, providing defense against impact while absorbing moisture and hosting symbiotic microorganisms. WELL features promote optimal integumentary system health by protecting skin from toxic chemicals while restricting exposure to compounds that mimic hormones and interfere with normal endocrine functioning.
When it comes to creating a healthy, productive workplace, organizations often hear an array of optimistic language: increased productivity, streamlined efficiency and greater creativity are often touted. This encourages businesses of all sizes and types to pursue WELL workplace practices.
WELL (Well Being and Wellness in Environmental Design) is the only building standard dedicated to people health and wellbeing that takes an integrative approach by considering air, water and food quality, nutrition, movement, thermal comfort, sound levels and materials used. Sloan offers several soap dispensers that meet WELL V2 requirements for handwashing.
WELL v2 now includes new Nourishment concepts to allow projects to earn points for policies and programs that promote healthy eating habits both individually and organizationally. Nourishment features support the immune system by relieving stress, encouraging healthy eating habits and limiting exposure to bacteria and pathogens. WELL also now features Nourishment concepts allowing projects to earn points through policies or programs which support individual and organizational dietary behavior change.
WELL v2 features promote ergonomic designs to reduce muscle strain and support healthy musculoskeletal systems, aiding posture, movement, and blood circulation.
Nourishment refers to the building's nutritional offerings, such as food production and supporting local food environments. Furthermore, this category takes into account any company practices or policies regarding nutrition for its occupants.
The WELL standard promotes an integrated approach to design that prioritizes human wellbeing. Buildings following its criteria must focus on seven concepts that affect occupants: air, water, nourishment, light fitness comfort and mind.
Studies have clearly established the correlation between healthy buildings and an ROI for businesses. Reduced absenteeism, improved productivity and employee morale are just a few benefits that come from creating healthier buildings for employees to work in.
Delos Living LLC pioneered the WELL Building Standard concept in 2013 with their establishment of the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI). IWBI then released its latest version in 2018, providing fine-tuning features that enhance project completion.
Fitness is one of the seven wellness concepts outlined by the WELL Building Standard, intended to encourage building occupants to incorporate physical movement into daily routines in response to medical research showing that people don't get enough exercise.
Other features in the Fitness concept aim to strengthen immunity. For instance, using non-toxic materials prevents exposure to chemicals which reduce immune function while encouraging proper nutrition and fitness increase reproductive health.
These and other changes to WELL v2 certification reflect an emphasis on people over building performance; that should be something all designers take note of.
Comfort can often be underestimated as an indicator of health and wellness, yet it can have profound ramifications for productivity. Poor thermal comfort can cause distraction and stress while acoustic, ergonomic and olfactory discomfort can negatively impact productivity levels.
IWBI strives to make it simpler for designers to prioritize human-first design in their projects, including features like reverse osmosis filters that must be regularly replaced in water fountains; top-of-the-line HEPA air filters in HVAC systems; and providing healthy snacks in break rooms.
The WELL Building Standard encompasses seven concepts -- air, water, nourishment, light fitness comfort and mind -- which are informed by medical research on how indoor environments impact health and well-being. Buildings may receive either Bronze, Silver or Gold WELL ratings by meeting all requirements within each concept.
Maintaining a healthy mind is essential to happiness, including being able to communicate effectively and understand others, as well as being provided assistance for mental health concerns.
Skin and hair comprise the body's integumentary system, protecting organs from impact while regulating body temperature and hosting an ecosystem of symbiotic microorganisms. To preserve this essential role of this organ, this concept seeks to protect it by minimizing exposure to toxins, encouraging healthy eating habits and providing access to nutritious food sources.
