(1 point)
INTENT
Support access to spaces that promote restoration and relief from mental fatigue or stress.
SUMMARY
This WELL feature requires the availability of spaces that promote restoration and encourage relief from mental fatigue and stress.
ISSUE
Work-induced fatigue is common among office workers, with research indicating that over 20% of the workforce experiences prolonged fatigue. During the workday, individuals experience fatigue caused by a depletion of physical and mental resources, resulting in an accumulated need to recover from mental fatigue and stress. The experience of prolonged fatigue combined with a high need for mental recovery is strongly associated with psychological distress, including decreased mental acuity, deficits in motivation and irritability caused by prolonged exposure to stress.
SOLUTIONS
IMPACT
REQUIREMENTS
Provide Restorative Indoor Spaces (1 point)
Verified by Architectural Drawing, Professional Narrative
Designated indoor space is available to all regular building occupants to support restorative practices. This may be a single space or several spaces that meets the following requirements:
- Designated exclusively for contemplation, relaxation and restoration (not to be used for work).
- Is a minimum of 7 m² [75 ft²] plus 0.1 m² [1 ft²] per regular building occupant, up to a maximum of 74 m² [800 ft²]. Room may be broken up into multiple smaller rooms that total the required amount.
- Encourages contemplation, relaxation and restoration, in consideration of the design criteria below:
- Accessible design.
- Lighting (e.g., dimmable light levels).
- Intrusive noise and sound masking (e.g., water feature, natural sounds).
- Thermal comfort.
- Seating arrangements that accommodate a range of user preferences and activities (e.g., movable lightweight chairs, cushions, mats).
- Nature incorporation.
- Calming colors, textures and forms.
- Visual privacy.
- Is maintained on a weekly basis, at minimum.
- Education materials or resources are available to occupants explaining the purpose of the space and how to make use of it.
Note: Education must be culturally appropriate and literacy level appropriate. Education can come in the form of trainings, brochures, videos, posters, pamphlets, newsletters and/or other written or online information.
For WELL Core and MFR Certification, restorative space may be located in non-leased spaces but must be sized for and accessible to tenants
Provide Restorative Outdoor Spaces (1 point)
Verified by Architectural Drawing, Professional Narrative
Designated outdoor space within projects is available to all regular building occupants. This may be a single space or several spaces that meets the following requirements:
-
Is designated exclusively for contemplation, relaxation and restoration (not to be used for work).
-
Is a minimum of 7 m² [75 ft²] plus 0.1 m² [1 ft²] per regular building occupant, up to a maximum of 74 m² [800 ft²]. Space may be broken up into multiple smaller spaces that total the required amount.
-
Encourages contemplation, relaxation and restoration, in consideration of the design criteria below:
- Accessible design.
- Intrusive noise and sound masking (e.g., water feature, wind chimes).
- Thermal comfort (e.g., availability of both sun-exposed and shaded areas).
- Seating arrangements that accommodate a range of user preferences and activities (e.g., movable lightweight chairs, outdoor or weatherproof cushions, mats).
- Nature incorporation.
- Visual privacy.
- Calming colors, textures and forms.
-
Is maintained on a weekly basis, at minimum.
-
Education materials or resources are available to occupants explaining the purpose of the space(s) and how to make use of it.
Note: Education must be culturally appropriate and literacy level appropriate. Education can come in the form of trainings, brochures, videos, posters, pamphlets, newsletters, and/or other written or online information.
© International WELL Building Institute
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