V09: Exterior Active Design

(1 point)

INTENT

Promote daily physical activity through pedestrian-friendly site amenities.

SUMMARY

This WELL feature requires that projects leverage site design and amenities within the immediate vicinity to encourage physical activity throughout the day.

ISSUE

Over time, nearly every aspect of our environment has been physically designed to demand less movement and facilitate more sedentary activities. As a result, physical inactivity and sedentariness are on the rise along with a host of poor health outcomes.

SOLUTIONS

Beyond the neighborhood context in which a building is situated, and beyond the interior elements of a building and programs that encourage physical activity, exterior elements of the project site can also be leveraged to encourage physical activity. In a systematic review conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, researchers identified several evidence-based design strategies that can be used to improve the pedestrian experience and encourage activity, including street lighting, sidewalk continuity, crosswalk safety (e.g., center islands or raised crosswalks) and pedestrian-scale aesthetics (e.g., landscaping). Additional pedestrian-friendly design strategies, such as active façades and street furnishings, are outlined in evidence-based guidelines including the Active Design Guidelines: Shaping the Sidewalk Experience and are supported by other types of literature. For example, a systematic review found that the presence of aesthetic design and placemaking features helped to maintain pedestrian interest, invite increased use by both pedestrians and cyclists and supported co-benefits including social cohesion, mental health and well-being, economic benefits and public safety.

IMPACT

Maximizing site amenities to encourage and invite physical activity can not only engage tenants to move throughout the day, but also enhance the experience of the broader community and create more vibrant places.

REQUIREMENTS

Part 1

Integrate Active Façades (1 point)

Verified by Architectural Drawing

For All Spaces

The following requirements are met:

1. The building's street-facing façades include no more than 15 m [50 ft] or 40% (linear distance) of blank space along the street level, achieved by incorporating at least one of the following design elements:

      1. Street-level windows, which allow visibility into the space.

      2. Window display cases.

      3. Murals or other artistic installations.

      4. Biophilic and other landscape elements.

      5. Mixed building textures, colors and/or other design elements.

Part 2

Provide On-Site Pedestrian Destinations (1 point)

Verified by Architectural Drawing

For All Spaces

Projects provide at least two of the following within the WELL project boundary:

1. An outdoor plaza or similar open-air space that can be used year-round and contains seating and biophilic elements, provides access to daylight and is supported with wayfinding signage.
2. A fountain or water feature.
3. A walking path or trail supported with wayfinding signage.
4. A drinking fountain or water refilling station.
5. Trees, planters and/or other landscaped elements.
6. Artistic installations.

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

© International WELL Building Institute