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INTENT
Support occupant well-being by incorporating the natural environment through interior and exterior design.
SUMMARY
ISSUE
SOLUTIONS
The benefits of nature access can be achieved through numerous pathways, including direct (e.g., plants in the office), indirect (e.g., window views) or representational (e.g., photographs) exposure to natural elements. While all are effective at enhancing mood, research suggests that contact with actual, living nature has a stronger effect than representational or pictorial methods. The quantity of exposure to nature also matters. A dose-response relationship has been found with exposure to indoor nature, with research finding that as workday nature contact increased, perceived job stress, subjective health complaints and sickness absence decreased. Other research has found that both perceived and actual productivity increased for occupants in an office space with nature incorporated as compared to those in a more minimalist office space, further highlighting nature's role in benefiting the needs of both employee and employer.
IMPACT
REQUIREMENTS
Provide Access to Nature
Verified by Professional Narrative
Projects integrate and encourage occupant access to nature within the building and project site (external to the building) through the following:
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Direct connection to nature through at least two of the below:
- Plants.
- Water.
- Light.
- Nature views.
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Indirect connection to nature through use of natural materials, patterns, colors or images.
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Space layout, addressing placement of natural elements along common circulation routes, shared seating areas and rooms (e.g., conference rooms, common spaces) and workstations (as applicable) to enhance occupant exposure.
© International WELL Building Institute
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