V03: Movement Network and Circulation

(3 points)

INTENT

Promote daily physical activity and movement through the design of the circulation network.

SUMMARY

This WELL feature requires projects to consider the circulation network within the building and implement design and promotional strategies that promote regular movement and stair use (as applicable).

ISSUE

Physical inactivity and sedentariness have emerged as a primary focus of public health in recent years due to the host of negative health implications associated with both behaviors. Strategies that promote stair use and general movement throughout buildings have emerged as promising interventions that aim to encourage short-bouts of health-enhancing physical activity throughout the day.

SOLUTIONS

Evidence from systematic reviews (including international data from a variety of settings, such as airports, healthcare facilities, universities and offices) suggests that stairwell enhancements and signage increase stair use. In particular, point-of-decision design prompts that include directional signage and motivational messaging have been shown to be effective at increasing stair use. Evidence suggests that tailoring motivational signage and prompts to the audience or population that a space serves may help increase intervention effectiveness. Smaller studies have found that when paired with point-of-decision signage, enhancements such as artwork and music may help increase stair use in public buildings above and beyond signage alone. Novel strategies such as gamification, which leverages game elements to simulate desired behaviors, have been introduced as fun and innovative ways to encourage healthy behaviors such as stairclimbing in both public and private settings. At an infrastructural level, considering where stairs are placed, which is particularly relevant for new construction projects, can have a large impact on movement opportunities throughout the day. Evidence-based guidelines such as the Active Design Guidelines suggest that stairs should be proximate to main entry points and located physically and visibly before elevator or escalator banks.

IMPACT

Stair climbing is classified as moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and enhances certain health outcomes. By creating aesthetically designed staircases and hallways, and encouraging stair use when available, WELL seeks to encourage occupants to accrue bouts of health-enhancing physical activity throughout the day.

REQUIREMENTS

Part 1

Design Aesthetic Circulation Networks (1 point)

Verified by Owner, Photographic evidence

For All Spaces

Hallways:

Hallways within the project boundary are aesthetically designed through the inclusion of at least two of the following per floor:

1. Music.

2. Artwork.

3. Light levels of at least 215 lux [20 fc] when in use.

4. Views of an interior atrium, courtyard or daylight via windows or skylights.

5. Natural design elements (e.g., plants, water features, images of nature).

6. Gamification.

Staircases:

At least one staircase or other active path between floors (e.g., ramps) is open to regular building occupants, services all floors of the project and is and aesthetically designed through the inclusion of at least two of the following per floor:

1. Music.
2. Artwork.
3. Light levels of at least 215 lux [20 fc] when in use.
4. Views of an interior atrium, courtyard or daylight via windows or skylights.
5. Natural design elements (e.g., plants, water features, images of nature).
6. Gamification.

Part 2

Integrate Point-of-Decision Signage (1 point)

Verified by Owner, Photographic evidence

For All Spaces

Projects implement point-of-decision signage that encourages stair use at each of the following locations within the project boundary (minimum of one sign per location):

1. Elevator banks or other modes of motorized vertical circulation (e.g., escalators).
   

    

2. Base of stairs/stairwells and re-entry points at each floor.

3. Junctions in corridors that lead to either a stairwell open to regular building occupants or an elevator bank (or other modes of motorized vertical circulation).

Note: Projects should consider primary language(s) spoken by the local population when creating signage.

Part 3

Promote Visible Stairs (1 point)

Verified by Architectural Drawing

For All Spaces

At least one staircase or other path between floors (e.g., ramps) meets the following requirements:

1. Open to regular building occupants.
2. Services all floors of the project.
3. Located physically and/or visibly before any motorized vertical circulation (e.g., elevator or escalator), as measured from the main point of entry to the project or building. 

© International WELL Building Institute