Part 1: Harmonizing Humans and Habitats as a Structured Approach to Financial, Occupant and Environmental Well-Being

Source: Squarespace

Have you ever walked into a building and instantly felt more relaxed or energized? That's no coincidence—the design of our environments can profoundly affect how we feel.

Considering that we spend up to 90% of our lives indoors, it's clear that the spaces we inhabit play a crucial role in our overall well-being [1][7].  This realization brings us to the concept of a structured approach to well-being, which seeks to harmonize humans and habitats by integrating lifestyle science with the principles of the WELL Building Standard®.  This global rating system focuses on advancing health and well-being in buildings to create environments that support people and their surroundings.

Building on insights from our previous blog, "Unlocking the Benefits of Healthy Buildings: From Certification to Satisfaction," which highlighted how certifications like WELL and Fitwel enhance tenant satisfaction and property value, this blog explores how a structured approach to well-being and intentional design can further optimize these benefits, fostering environments that promote occupant health and long-term profitability.

Join us as we uncover the principles of a structured approach to well-being and explore how thoughtful design can transform your spaces into thriving, health-promoting environments that will drive business goals as well.

1. The Interconnection Between Humans and Their Environments

The built environment profoundly influences our emotional, mental, and physical health. Environmental psychology explores how spatial layouts, architectural design, and interior elements impact human behavior and well-being. For instance, poor air quality and cramped spaces can lead to fatigue and reduced productivity. In contrast, natural light and open areas help alleviate stress and enhance mood [2].

Impact on Health

Research indicates that thoughtfully designed environments encourage healthier lifestyle choices.  Buildings incorporating biophilic design features—such as indoor greenery, natural materials, and ample daylight—significantly improve occupant satisfaction and overall well-being [3][4]. These elements foster a connection with nature, essential for mental rejuvenation and physical health, while also enhancing the space's aesthetic appeal.

Workspace Layouts and Social Interactions

Building upon this understanding, workspace layouts can promote or hinder physical activity and social interactions. Open-plan offices, for example, may facilitate collaboration but reduce privacy and increase distractions if not balanced with quiet zones [5][6].  Therefore, designing environments that support individual interaction and focus is crucial to ensure that the workspace caters to diverse needs and enhances overall well-being.  

2. Understanding a Structured Approach to Well-being 

A structured approach to well-being integrates lifestyle science with architectural design. This combination creates environments that actively promote health and happiness, enhancing occupants' physical, mental, and emotional well-being [7].  By systematically incorporating well-being principles into design processes, spaces can be tailored to support the diverse needs of their inhabitants.

Enhancing Occupant Well-Being

Property owners and developers who adopt structured well-being strategies can foster healthier lifestyles for building occupants. Thoughtful design choices—such as accessible fitness areas, ergonomic furniture, and communal spaces—encourage regular physical activity, social interaction, and stress management. These features enhance physical well-being and play a crucial role in improving mental health.  In addition, flexible workspaces, natural elements, and quiet zones provide opportunities for relaxation and mental rejuvenation, further boosting overall well-being and productivity [8][9].

Business and Financial Benefits

Beyond occupant health, a structured approach to well-being offers substantial benefits for property owners and developers. Properties prioritizing well-being are more attractive to potential tenants, leading to higher occupancy rates and the ability to command premium rents. For instance, the MIT Center for Real Estate Research (2021) found that buildings with healthy certifications achieve rental premiums of up to 7.7% and have higher occupancy rates than non-certified buildings [10]. Healthier and happier occupants are more likely to remain long-term, reducing tenant turnover and the associated costs of finding new renters. Additionally, well-designed spaces often result in more efficient use of space and resources, potentially lowering maintenance and operational expenses. By adopting a structured approach to well-being strategies, properties gain a competitive advantage in the market, distinguishing themselves as desirable and forward-thinking investments. Furthermore, aligning with sustainability goals and adhering to industry standards can enhance a property's reputation and appeal to environmentally conscious investors and tenants [10][11]. 

Understanding the profound impact of our environments on well-being underscores the importance of intentional design. In the following sections, we will delve deeper into the science of lifestyle factors—such as physical activity, nutrition, sleep, and stress management—and explore how a structured approach to well-being can effectively integrate these elements into the built environment to support healthier, happier, and more productive occupants.

3.   The Science of Lifestyle and Its Impact on Health

Lifestyle factors such as physical activity, nutrition and sleep plus stress management are pivotal in determining our overall health and well-being. The built environment is crucial in either facilitating or hindering these healthy lifestyle choices [7][11]. A further examination of these four primary lifestyle factors is detailed below.

Physical Activity

Workspace design can either promote or impede physical activity. Features such as active workstations, accessible stairways, and fitness centers encourage regular movement, combat sedentary behavior, and reduce the risk of obesity and related health issues. Incorporating these elements supports physical health and boosts energy levels and productivity [2][7][8].

Nutrition

The environment where we eat significantly influences our nutritional well-being [7]. Research indicates that having access to healthy food options and designated dining areas at work encourages better dietary habits, reducing unhealthy snacking and promoting balanced meals.  Additionally, the layout of dining spaces can foster social interactions during meals, enhancing the overall dining experience and improving well-being [11][15].   By thoughtfully designing dining areas, organizations can support healthier eating behaviors and create more engaging and satisfying meal experiences for their occupants. 

 Sleep and Stress Management

Natural lighting and noise control in living and working environments significantly influence sleep quality and the ability to manage stress.  Proper lighting design that minimizes glare and controls brightness creates conducive environments for restful sleep, thereby improving mental clarity and productivity during waking hours. In addition, establishing quiet zones and incorporating natural components like indoor plants can diminish stress which leads to a more tranquil and focused setting [2][7][9][12]. 

The WELL Building Standard® provides actionable guidelines to integrate such well-being principles into the built environment, ensuring that every aspect of the design promotes occupant well-being and the above lifestyle factors are proactively supported to drive healthier, happier, and more productive occupants.

4.  The WELL Building Standard: A Framework for Harmonization

The WELL Building Standard® is a comprehensive framework designed to harmonize human well-being with the built environment (and all those lifestyle factors previously mentioned) [7].  Developed by the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), it focuses on enhancing the health and wellness of building occupants through evidence-based design, construction, and operational practices. 

The core principles of WELL are organized into ten concepts: Air, Water, Nourishment, Light, Movement, Thermal Comfort, Sound, Mind, Materials, and Community [7]. Each concept outlines specific strategies and performance metrics aimed at improving various aspects of occupant health and productivity.

Understanding these core principles highlights the comprehensive nature of the WELL Building Standard®. Let's again explore what these are before we dive into what they mean for property managers and owners in part 2.

Enhancing Indoor Air Quality

The Air concept prioritizes advanced filtration and ventilation systems to ensure superior indoor air quality [7].  By minimizing pollutants and maintaining a constant flow of fresh air, WELL-certified buildings promote respiratory health and cognitive performance [2], creating a more comfortable and productive environment for occupants.  

Ensuring Access to Clean and Safe Drinking Water

The Water concept focuses on maintaining high-quality standards and providing clean, safe drinking water.  Access to purified water promotes hydration and overall health, reducing the risk of waterborne illnesses and enhancing occupants' satisfaction [7][13].  

Promoting Healthy Eating Habits

The Nourishment concept encourages healthy eating choices by designing spaces where nutritious foods are convenient. Ensuring access to balanced meals and promoting mindful eating supports occupants' long-term health and well-being [7][15]. 

Supporting Circadian Rhythms with Natural and Artificial Lighting

The Light concept utilizes both artificial and natural lighting to align with occupants' circadian rhythms. Adjustable lighting systems and optimizing daylight exposure increase alertness, improve sleep patterns, and enhance mood, contributing to higher productivity and well-being [7][12]. 

Encouraging Physical Activity Through Active Design

The Movement concept incorporates active design features such as standing desks, accessible stairways,  and on-site fitness facilities.  These elements encourage regular physical activity, improving physical health and boosting mental clarity and energy levels [7][8]. 

Ensuring Thermal Comfort

The Comfort concept addresses the thermal aspects of the built environment by maintaining optimal temperature and humidity levels.  WELL-certified buildings create thermally comfortable spaces, enhancing occupant satisfaction and productivity [7].  Optimal thermal conditions also significantly boost cognitive performance and work efficiency [14]. 

Optimizing Acoustics for Well-Being

The Sound concept minimizes noise pollution and optimizes acoustics to create environments conducive to focus, relaxation, and overall well-being. Effective sound management enhances occupant comfort and productivity by reducing distractions and creating a peaceful atmosphere [5][7].

Reducing Exposure to Harmful Materials and Promoting Sustainability

The Materials concept prioritizes the selection and utilization of healthier, sustainable materials throughout a building's lifecycle—from initial construction to ongoing maintenance [7]. By minimizing harmful substances, WELL-certified buildings create safer, more environmentally friendly environments. This commitment enhances occupant health and supports broader environmental sustainability objectives, ensuring buildings remain healthy and resilient over time [1][4][8][9][11].  

Supporting Mental and Emotional Well-Being

The Mind concept incorporates elements that reduce stress and enhance mental health [7].  Features such as indoor greenery, natural materials, quiet zones, and access to views of nature create a calming and inspiring environment, enhancing cognitive performance and fostering emotional resilience [3][4]. 

Fostering Social Well-Being and Inclusivity

The Community concept enhances social well-being by building connections, promoting inclusivity, and creating shared spaces [7]. Thoughtfully designed communal areas foster a sense of belonging and encourage interactions, strengthening the social health of the building’s community and boosting occupant satisfaction [2][5][6][8][11]. 

Conclusion

By systematically implementing these WELL concepts, property owners and developers can create environments that meet and exceed occupant wellness expectations, fostering healthier and more productive communities.

Having established the core principles of a structured approach to well-being and the integral role of the WELL Building Standard®, we're now ready to explore the tangible benefits of harmonizing humans and their habitats and the many benefits for property owners and developers. Join us in Part 2, where we'll examine how these strategies enhance occupant health, boost productivity, and provide significant advantages for property owners and developers alike.

References

1. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Report to Congress on Indoor Air Quality: Volume 2. EPA/400/1-89/001C, 1989.

2. N. Ildiri, H. Bazille, Y. Lou, K. Hinkelman, W. A. Gray, and W. Zuo, “Impact of WELL Certification on Occupant Satisfaction and Perceived Health, Well-being, and Productivity: A Multi-Office Pre- Versus Post-Occupancy Evaluation.”  Journal of Building and Environment, 2022. 

3. S. R. Kellert and E. F. Calabrese, The Practice of Biophilic Design. Terrapin Bright Green, 2015.

4. T. Gray and C. Birrell, "Are biophilic-designed site office buildings linked to health benefits and high-performing occupants?" International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, vol. 11, no. 12, pp. 12204–12222, 2014.

5. E. S. Bernstein and S. Turban, "The impact of the 'open' workspace on human collaboration," Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, vol. 373, no. 1753, Art no. 20170239, 2018.

6. J. Kim and R. de Dear, "Workspace satisfaction: The privacy-communication trade-off in open-plan offices," Journal of Environmental Psychology, vol. 36, pp. 18–26, 2013.

7. International WELL Building Institute, https://www.wellcertified.com. 

8. International WELL Building Institute, "Groundbreaking Study Finds WELL Certification Boosts Occupant Satisfaction and Perceived Health, Well-being and Productivity." 2022. https://www.wellcertified.com/research.

9. M. Nieuwenhuis et al., "The relative benefits of green versus lean office space: Three field experiments," Journal of Experimental Psychology: Applied, vol. 20, no. 3, pp. 199–214, 2014.

10. MIT Center for Real Estate Research, The Financial Impact of Healthy Buildings: Rental Prices and Market Dynamics in a Commercial Office, 2021.

11. World Green Building Council, The Business Case for Green Building: A Review of the Costs and Benefits for Developers, Investors and Occupants, 2013.

12. T. A. Legates, D. C. Fernandez, and S. Hattar, "Light as a central modulator of circadian rhythms, sleep, and affect," Nature Reviews Neuroscience, vol. 15, no. 7, pp. 443–454, 2014, doi: 10.1038/nrn3743.

13. S. Watson and J. Kwon, "The Impact of Water Provision on Hydration and Cognitive Function in Office Workers," Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, vol. 62, no. 9, pp. 755–761, 2020, doi: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000001911.

14. F. Zhang, R. de Dear, and P. Hancock, "Effects of moderate thermal environments on cognitive performance: A multidisciplinary review," Applied Energy, vol. 236, pp. 760–777, 2019, doi: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2018.12.005.

15. M. Bertin, S. Laforest, and C. Depres, "Influence of workplace environment on workers' dietary patterns: A qualitative study," Nature Communications, vol. 11, Art. no. 4630, 2020.