The Movement section includes a wide range of performance metrics, design strategies and policies that support human movement. These include strategies for creating spaces that are accessible to people with disabilities, as well as creating environments where pedestrians can comfortably walk from place to place without any barriers or obstacles.

Most buildings designed today provide lighting for visual needs but fail to take into account our mental health needs and the patterns of human circadian cycles. The WELL Light concept aims to provide a lighting environment that reduces circadian phase disruption, improves sleep quality, and positively impacts mood and productivity.

Our modern diet of high calorie, refined, and processed foods has the dual impact of increasing the prevalence of overweight and obesity while also leading to micronutrient deficiencies. In short, we are overweight but malnourished. In addition, poor nutrition accounts for more than one in five deaths globally. The Nourishment concept in the WELL Building Standard aims to create an environment that promotes healthy eating habits and encourages people to make healthy food choices.

The WELL Water Concept seeks to increase the rate of adequate hydration in building users, reduce health risks due to contaminated water and excessive moisture within buildings, and provide adequate sanitation in interior spaces.

Common indoor air contaminants can lead to a variety of short-term and long-term health outcomes. The WELL Air Concept seeks to implement holistic design strategies to promote clean air and minimize human exposure to harmful contaminants.

My dedication to healthy building practices, sustainability, and ecological awareness pushes me to continue learning in order to advocate for better building design. To that end, I want to share some of the core principles of the WELL Building Standard. The Standard identifies over 100 performance metrics, design strategies, and policies that are divided into ten sections or concepts: Air, Water, Nourishment, Light, Movement, Thermal Comfort, Sound, Materials, Mind, and Community.

We spend approximately one-third of our lives in bed. Add to that the fact that nighttime is when our bodies recuperate and rebuild from the assaults of the day. Read on for my guide to eliminating the heavy hitters of bedroom toxins.

We will continue to see a trend toward a holistic approach to living at home as we continue to reassess our priorities around our quality of life.

Essential interior design elements that give your home a sense of character and warmth.