Enhancing Well-Being indoors with the International WELL Building Institute
well building advisory 2025
WELL Building Standard and Certification
The WELL Building Standard is a global rating system designed to improve comfort, encourage healthier choices, and enhance human health and wellness in built environments.
WELL v2 is the latest version of this system, focused on refining the standards and offering a more advanced approach to promoting well-being. Meanwhile, the WELL Community Standard pilot sets a global benchmark for developing healthy communities, ensuring that entire neighbourhoods can benefit from well-designed, health-conscious spaces.
For organisations looking to scale their commitment to well-being, the WELL Portfolio program provides the tools to enhance building performance and improve human health across multiple properties.
The WELL Building Standard is a technically robust, performance-based system that measures and monitors building performance, focusing specifically on human health and well-being. This approach is transforming the way buildings are designed, constructed, and operated, ensuring they meet the highest standards of health and comfort.
In 2025, Matt Morley, Founder of Biofilico, will serve as an official Advisor to the IWBI on the Movement category of the WELL Building Standard, contributing to the ongoing development of this vital global framework.
Benefits of WELL Certification
Demonstrates Leadership and Commitment:
Achieving WELL Certification showcases an organisation’s dedication to transforming health. This commitment positions companies as leaders in sustainable building design, enhancing their reputation and attracting tenants, employees, and customers who value wellness.
Increases Revenue Through Organisational and Building Improvements:
WELL Certification can boost revenue by improving the appeal of buildings, particularly in flexible workspaces. Enhancing key features like air quality, lighting, and access to nature can lead to higher occupancy rates, better tenant retention, and improved returns on investment.
Enhances Building Performance and Well-being at Scale:
WELL Certification enhances building performance by setting high standards in energy efficiency, comfort, and health. By creating environments that foster productivity and creativity, it supports both organisational success and the well-being of the occupants on a larger scale, contributing to the global movement towards healthier buildings.
Promotes Health and Well-being Through Activities and Education:
WELL Certification goes beyond just the physical environment. It also promotes health and well-being by offering various activities and educational resources. Organisations can leverage these tools to encourage healthy behaviours, improving employee well-being and fostering a positive and productive workplace culture.
Globally Recognised Standard:
As a leading standard for healthy buildings and communities, WELL Certification is recognised worldwide and is often featured on Fast Company's list of innovative design standards. It provides a clear benchmark for organisations striving to improve their environmental impact while supporting the physical and mental health of their occupants.
About the International WELL Building Institute
The International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) is a public benefit corporation and the world’s leading organization focused on deploying people-first places to advance a global culture of health.
IWBI is a participant of the United Nations Global Compact and helps companies advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through the use of WELL.
IWBI administers the WELL Building Standard and the WELL Health-Safety Rating.
IWBI manages the WELL AP credential and pursues applicable research.
IWBI develops educational resources and advocates for policies that promote health and well-being everywhere.
WELL Rating options, targeted subsets from the WELL Standard
The WELL Building Standard offers various rating options tailored to specific health and well-being aspects within the built environment. These options enable organisations to customise their approach based on their unique needs. Below are three key WELL Rating options:
What is the WELL Performance Rated?
The WELL Performance Rated option recognises buildings or spaces that optimise environmental impact while promoting human health. This rating assesses key performance areas, such as air and water quality, light exposure, thermal comfort, and acoustics.
It ensures spaces are not only healthy for occupants but also designed to meet sustainability and energy-efficiency goals. WELL Performance Rated buildings are recognised for outstanding operational performance, advancing the goal of creating healthier, more sustainable spaces.
What is the WELL Health & Safety Rating?
The WELL Health & Safety Rating focuses on strategies to enhance occupant safety and well-being. Developed in response to global health challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, it addresses concerns such as indoor air quality, cleaning protocols, ventilation, and illness prevention.
Earning this rating shows a building’s commitment to protecting its occupants with clear, actionable health measures, offering peace of mind for tenants, employees, and visitors.
What is the WELL Equity Rated?
The WELL Equity Rated option, a newer addition to the WELL Rating system, ensures spaces are inclusive, accessible, and supportive of all individuals, regardless of background or ability. This rating promotes diversity and addresses inequalities in the built environment.
It includes key areas such as inclusive design, accessibility, and spaces that meet the physical, mental, and emotional needs of all people. A WELL Equity Rated space fosters fairness and inclusion, supporting broader social sustainability goals.
Exploring the Impact of Wellbeing Architecture on Health and Happiness
biofilico fitness studio interior design
The ROLE of Wellness in Architecture
According to the World Health Organization, health is “a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being.” Wellbeing in architecture focuses on designing environments that enhance physical and mental health. These spaces are created to foster positive mental states and promote healthy routines.
Architects play a vital role in designing buildings that actively improve the lives of their occupants. This concept is often referred to as “healthy buildings.” Meanwhile, specialists like Biofilico, an interior design firm, focus on creating wellness-centered interior environments.
As we spend a significant amount of time indoors, the built environment has become a key factor in our mental and physical health. Today, architects are tasked with more than just aesthetics and functionality—they must also create spaces that nurture and elevate the human experience.
Designing for Wellbeing
Designing buildings and interiors with health and well-being in mind requires a deep understanding of social and behavioural sciences, psychology, and urban planning.
Thoughtful design choices—such as natural ventilation, green spaces, and easy access to essential services—can enhance human well-being and support positive mental health.
Architects must consider how layout, lighting, materials, and acoustics affect both mental well-being and physical health.
By integrating health-related elements into their designs, architects can positively influence human cognition and create environments that support both health and clinical excellence.
Beyond Aesthetics: The Multisensory Approach
Wellbeing design extends beyond simple aesthetics. It incorporates a multisensory approach, engaging sight, sound, smell, touch, taste, and proprioception. Including psychological factors in design can promote social interaction and foster self-reported altruistic behaviour.
By considering sensory elements, architects can create spaces that foster comfort, safety, and positivity. Outdoor natural environments, strategic lighting, and ergonomic designs can stimulate intellectual development, particularly in children.
Simple Changes for Healthier Spaces
Simple design changes, such as adding natural elements, maximising natural ventilation, and designing open layouts, can subtly influence behaviours and encourage healthier habits.
Research in health studies and clinical psychology confirms that well-designed, walkable spaces with safe pavements and community-driven areas promote physical activity and mental wellness.
Prioritising Urban Health
With rising mental health challenges, prioritising urban health resources and healthy indoor environments is more important than ever.
By leveraging insights from global studies and medical research related to health-focused architecture, we can create spaces that not only improve the well-being of occupants but also benefit the wider community.
The Impact of Physical Spaces and Air Quality on Mental Health
The physical environment has a powerful influence on human behaviour, habits, and daily routines.
Minor changes to a space can lead to significant improvements in mental wellbeing, such as adjusting furniture placement to facilitate movement or interaction.
Architects have the power to create environments that promote both physical and mental health through deliberate design interventions.
The interplay between mental health and spatial configurations requires architects to consider how factors such as layout, lighting, materials, and acoustics affect occupants.
Physical ill health can be exacerbated by poor indoor environmental quality, highlighting the need for architects to prioritise health-supporting design.
Wellbeing in Different Building Types
Hospitals: Healing Environments
Hospitals are places of healing and recovery, and the design of the building plays a critical role in supporting this process.
Hospital wards should prioritise patient well-being, incorporating features such as high-quality daylight, views of the outside, and a strong connection to nature. These elements create a calming and restorative environment that aids in recovery.
Residential Buildings: Promoting Physical and Mental Well-being
Residential buildings can support physical well-being through healthy design features, such as active buildings, changing facilities, and bike storage.
They can also enhance mental well-being by focusing on visual quality, thermal comfort, and acoustic quality. Together, these elements contribute to what are known as healthy homes.
Office Buildings: Creating Healthy Workplaces
Office buildings can be designed to the highest sustainable and wellbeing standards. These spaces aim for Net Zero Carbon emissions and strive to achieve certifications such as BREEAM Excellent and WELL Gold. Such buildings, known as healthy workplaces, promote both physical and mental well-being for employees.
Universities: Restorative Spaces for Learning
Universities can be high-pressure environments, and both students and faculty benefit from calming, restorative spaces in which to work and study. Architects and interior designers with a focus on wellbeing can create these environments, helping to reduce stress and support productivity.
The Benefits of Wellbeing Architecture
Wellbeing architecture improves physical and mental health, boosting productivity, creativity, and overall quality of life. By addressing biological and physiological symptoms, architects can design spaces that enhance human wellbeing and long-term health.
Beyond individual benefits, wellbeing-focused design positively impacts the environment and society. Integrating physical and social constitutes ensures spaces cater to diverse needs, improving human wellbeing on a broader scale.
Architects play a key role in shaping environments that support healthy habits. Applying precise physiological comfort theory and quantitative physical parameters helps create spaces that promote mental clarity and physical comfort.
A more holistic awareness of design’s impact calls for new approaches. Considering factors like income and education level and urban accessibility can lead to improved wellbeing and sustainability.
Even small interventions matter. Thus, the assessment of a poorly maintained space can uncover ways to optimise own life and overall wellness.
As wellbeing architecture evolves, professionals must refine their approach to meet changing health and sustainability standards, ensuring lasting benefits for all.
The Future of Wellbeing Design
The pandemic has underscored the need for spaces that prioritise health and wellbeing. Architects are now adopting a more holistic understanding of how design influences human wellbeing, integrating health-supporting human behaviours into sustainable spaces.
The future of wellbeing design will focus on enhancing health through key physical design characteristics, such as natural ventilation, daylight access, and adaptable layouts. These elements help prevent chronic physiological health problems and create a preferably natural environment that supports mental wellbeing.
The World Health Organisation emphasises that health includes physical, social, and environmental factors. Architects must consider qualitative health considerations, specific or prescribed functions, and health-threatening indicators to ensure accessibility for not all users while maximising health benefits.
Collaboration between health services and urban planners is essential to designing spaces that promote indoor physical activity and foster social interaction. Simple, more immediately attainable treatments, such as biophilic design, can contribute to improved wellbeing without major renovations.
The Architects’ Mental Wellbeing Forum continues to highlight the importance of mental health in design. By encouraging such positive behaviour and supporting casual encounters, architects can create environments that improve overall health performance and quality of life.
Healthy buildings for mental and physical health
Wellness real estate, wellbeing architecture, and healthy buildings each focus on different aspects of design to enhance health. Wellness real estate emphasises overall health with features like air filtration and fitness facilities, natural light and biophilic design.
By incorporating these principles, spaces like Recharge Rooms promote relaxation, mental clarity, and productivity. Prioritising well-being in design helps create healthier, more positive environments for both work and home.
Unlocking the Power of Architecture for Health: Designing for Wellness
Zen Room design by Biofit for Fusion Students UK
Introduction to Healthcare Architecture
As discussed in Biofilico Founder Matt Aspiotis Morley’s 2024 TEDx talk, the design of our built environment plays a pivotal role in shaping our well-being. Healthcare architecture, in particular, stands at the forefront of this movement, significantly impacting the quality of life for individuals and communities alike.
Healthcare architecture can enhance human well-being by creating environments that support social connections, encourage physical activity, promote mindfulness, and facilitate learning and altruistic behaviors. Addressing rising mental health problems requires a holistic approach to health and well-being, integrating physical, social, and psychological factors.
The World Health Organization defines health as “a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being.” This holistic perspective highlights the importance of creating spaces that support all aspects of human (and we would argue also planetary) health.
The increasing wealth of medical research related to physical and mental health can be leveraged to inform the work we do in designing healthcare facilities and their interiors. Surely these spaces need to be doing everything possible to ensure the wellbeing of their visitors?
Architects and interior designers (like us) are uniquely positioned to influence this through innovative design that goes beyond mere aesthetics to actively promoting healthier lifestyles and habits.
By integrating elements of choice architecture for example, designers can subtly guide users towards healthier behaviors and create environments that not only heal but also enhance well-being.
Designing for Wellness
Patient-Centered Care and Mental Health
Patient-centered care is the cornerstone of effective healthcare architecture. This approach places the patient’s needs, comfort, and overall well-being at the core of design decisions.
By focusing on creating spaces that elevate the healing process and promote health-supporting human behaviours, architects can amplify the therapeutic impact of the built environment.
Key elements of patient-centered care in architecture include:
Spacious Rooms: Providing ample space reduces stress and enhances comfort.
Natural Light: Exposure to daylight can improve mood and accelerate recovery.
Private Bed Spaces: Ensuring privacy helps maintain dignity and peace of mind for patients.
Such designs ensure that healthcare spaces not only facilitate medical treatment but also contribute positively to the overall healing process.
Biofit gym interior design using biophilia in hanging plants, cork flooring, natural wood wall finishes, circadian lighting
Healthy Environments
Creating a healthy environment within healthcare facilities can go beyond these basics however, for example by providing environments addressing factors such as noise, air quality, and light quality.
Biophilic Design
Biophilic design integrates natural elements into the built environment, fostering a connection between people and nature. This approach can be achieved through:
Indoor Plants: An abundance of plants will improve indoor air quality by filtering toxins and also provide a calming effect, leaving us with a sense of vitality and nature-connection
Natural Views: Windows and skylights that offer views of nature can reduce stress and enhance well-being as well as feelings of positivity.
Green Spaces: Incorporating gardens and outdoor areas within healthcare settings can encourage physical activity for those able to move around or simple provide therapeutic, calming benefits of being close to nature.
Biophilic design elements are known to improve occupant health, happiness, and productivity, making them invaluable in healthcare settings.
Indoor Air Quality and Ventilation
Poor indoor air quality can lead to a range of health issues, including respiratory problems, infections, and headaches. Poor indoor environmental quality, due to inadequate ventilation, can significantly impact certain population sectors. Ensuring good ventilation is therefore crucial in healthcare environments to:
Remove Pollutants: Effective ventilation systems help to eliminate indoor pollutants and allergens.
Control Moisture: Preventing moisture build-up reduces the risk of mold and mildew, which can exacerbate respiratory conditions.
Maintain Comfort: Proper ventilation helps regulate temperature and humidity levels, contributing to overall comfort.
Innovative ventilation solutions, combined with air purification technologies, can significantly enhance the air quality and health outcomes in healthcare facilities.
Thermal Comfort, Noise Reduction, and Biological and Physiological Symptoms
Maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature and minimizing noise are essential key physical design characteristics for creating a healing environment. Key strategies include:
Temperature Control: Designing for a consistent temperature range of 18-24°C helps ensure thermal comfort.
Insulation and Glazing: Using advanced insulation and glazing technologies, such as solar control glass and triple glazing, can stabilize temperatures and reduce external noise.
Acoustic Treatments: Sound-absorbing materials and thoughtful layout planning can mitigate noise pollution, creating a more serene environment.
These elements contribute to a comfortable and tranquil setting, crucial for patient recovery and staff efficiency.
Infection Control and Operational Efficiency
Infection control is a critical aspect of healthcare architecture, aimed at preventing the spread of diseases within healthcare facilities and addressing physical ill health. Key architectural strategies include:
Non-Porous Surfaces: Utilizing materials that are easy to clean and disinfect reduces the risk of contamination.
Hands-Free Fixtures: Installing automated doors, faucets, and dispensers minimizes contact points where germs can spread.
Isolation Areas: Designated spaces for isolation help contain infections and protect vulnerable populations.
By integrating these strategies into the design, healthcare facilities can maintain high standards of hygiene and safety.
Streamlined Healthcare Delivery
Operational efficiency in healthcare settings ensures that facilities can provide timely and effective care. This is achieved through:
Optimized Layouts: Designing clear pathways and strategically placing departments close to each other reduce patient movement and staff travel time.
Advanced Technology: Incorporating digital systems for patient management and communication streamlines operations and improves care coordination.
Flexible Spaces: Creating adaptable spaces that can quickly convert to meet varying needs enhances responsiveness and utilization.
These design principles support the smooth operation of healthcare services, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes. Additionally, income and education level can impact the effectiveness of healthcare delivery, as they influence health outcomes and access to care.
Encouraging Active Lifestyles and Health Supporting Human Behaviours
Promoting physical activity within healthcare environments can play a significant role in preventing chronic conditions and supporting overall health.
Encouraging active lifestyles not only helps in disease prevention but also offers numerous health benefits, including improved physical and mental well-being. Architectural strategies to encourage activity include:
Accessible Fitness Facilities: Providing gyms, walking paths, and exercise areas within healthcare complexes encourages patients and staff to stay active.
Staircase Design: Prominently placed and inviting staircases can motivate individuals to choose stairs over elevators.
Outdoor Spaces: Incorporating gardens, walking trails, and outdoor seating areas promotes physical activity and offers a respite from clinical settings.
Fostering Connections, Community, and Urban Health Resources
Social connections and a sense of community are vital for positive mental health. Healthcare architecture can support this through:
Public Spaces: Creating inviting communal areas where patients, visitors, and staff can interact and relax.
Comfortable Waiting Areas: Designing waiting rooms with comfortable seating, natural light, and engaging surroundings can reduce anxiety and enhance the patient experience.
Community Integration: Locating healthcare facilities within easy reach of community amenities fosters a seamless integration with the surrounding area.
Such designs not only enhance the patient experience but also contribute to a supportive and connected community.
lounge area with pool table and biophilic design by Biofilico for Carnegie Mellon University Qatar
How does the WELL Building Standard impact physical and mental health?
The WELL Healthy Building Standard is an evidence-based system for measuring, certifying, and monitoring the performance of building features that impact human health and well-being.
It integrates specific strategies across various domains to positively affect both physical and mental health. Here’s how some of these strategies foster a healthier environment:
1. Air Quality
Ventilation and Filtration: WELL standards emphasize optimal ventilation and advanced filtration systems to reduce indoor air pollutants. Improved air quality decreases respiratory issues and lowers the risk of allergies and asthma.
Low-Emission Materials: Using materials that emit minimal volatile organic compounds (VOCs) reduces the presence of harmful chemicals in the air, minimizing headaches, eye irritation, and long-term chronic conditions.
Impact on Mental Health:
Clean and Fresh Air: Good air quality promotes cognitive function and enhances mood, leading to a more productive and comfortable environment for occupants.
2. Water Quality
Filtration and Treatment: Ensuring access to clean, safe drinking water by employing rigorous filtration and treatment methods helps prevent waterborne diseases and supports overall hydration, crucial for bodily functions and performance.
Impact on Mental Health:
Availability of Hydration Stations: Readily accessible water stations encourage regular hydration, which is linked to better concentration and mental clarity.
3. Nourishment
Healthy Food Access: The WELL standard promotes the availability of nutritious food options, including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. This helps prevent obesity, diabetes, and other diet-related health issues.
Labeling and Portion Control: Guidance on food labeling and portion sizes supports informed eating choices and prevents overeating.
Impact on Mental Health:
Healthy Eating Environment: Creating spaces that encourage mindful eating and reducing the presence of junk food can help alleviate stress and improve overall mental well-being.
4. Lighting
Circadian Lighting Design: WELL emphasizes lighting that supports our natural daily rhythm in order not to distrupt sleep patterns and promote deep rest at night.
recharge room design by Biofilico for Carnegie Mellon University Qatar
Recharge Rooms in Healthcare Buildings
Recharge rooms are dedicated spaces designed within healthcare environments to provide a calming retreat for staff, patients, and visitors. These rooms are carefully crafted to offer a respite from the high-stress, high-pressure atmosphere typical of healthcare settings.
Their primary aim is to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and support the overall well-being of those who use them.
Here are a few of their key characteristics and benefits:
Soothing Color Palette: Soft, muted colors that are visually calming.
Natural Elements: Use of biophilic design elements like plants, natural materials, and imagery of nature.
Comfortable Seating: Ergonomic furniture that supports relaxation and reduces physical stress.
Controlled Lighting: Adjustable lighting to simulate natural light cycles or provide dim, relaxing illumination.
Soundscapes: Incorporation of calming sounds such as nature noises or gentle music.
Aromatherapy: Diffusion of calming scents like lavender or eucalyptus to enhance relaxation.
Technology Integration:
Digital Mindfulness Tools: Access to guided meditation apps, virtual nature scenes, or relaxing visual projections.
Noise Cancellation: Soundproofing or white noise systems to create a peaceful environment.
Privacy and Quiet:
Soundproofing: Design that minimizes external noise.
Private Spaces: Areas where individuals can retreat for solitude or quiet reflection without disturbances.
Enhanced Sleep Quality:
Promoting Restorative Rest: Exposure to calming, low-stimulus environments can improve sleep patterns, particularly for healthcare staff who often work irregular shifts.
Mental Health Benefits
Reduced Anxiety and Depression: Regular use of recharge rooms can decrease symptoms of anxiety and depression by providing a safe space to decompress and reflect.
Enhanced Mood: The combination of soothing sensory experiences can elevate mood and increase feelings of well-being.
Cognitive Restoration:
Mental Clarity: Breaks in a tranquil environment improve mental clarity and focus, crucial for healthcare staff making critical decisions.
Reduced Burnout: Recharge rooms help prevent burnout by providing necessary mental breaks, allowing healthcare workers to return to their duties refreshed and rejuvenated.
Enhanced Social Connections:
Shared Spaces for Interaction: While designed for individual retreat, recharge rooms can also serve as a quiet place for small, intimate interactions, fostering a sense of community and support among staff and patients.
Practical Applications in Healthcare Settings:
Staff Well-being: a safe place to de-compress, take a time out or even a power nap when needed
Break Room Alternatives: Recharge rooms serve as an alternative to traditional break rooms, offering a quieter and more restorative environment for healthcare staff.
Shift Transition Zones: Ideal for use before and after shifts to help staff mentally prepare or decompress.
Patient Support:
Pre- and Post-Treatment Areas: Patients can use recharge rooms before or after treatments to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.
Family and Visitor Retreats: Spaces for family members and visitors to find respite and gather their thoughts, reducing the stress of supporting a loved one in a healthcare setting.
Recharge rooms in healthcare buildings play a crucial role in fostering physical and mental well-being for all occupants. By providing a sanctuary from the demands of the healthcare environment, these spaces contribute to a healthier, more balanced approach to patient care and staff support.
Investing in the design and integration of recharge rooms reflects a commitment to holistic health, recognizing the profound impact of the built environment on overall wellness.
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Conclusion
Architecture has a profound impact on our health and well-being. By thoughtfully designing healthcare environments with elements that prioritize physical and mental health, architects can create spaces that are not only functional but also therapeutic.
Addressing rising mental health problems through thoughtful architectural design is crucial for a holistic approach to health and well-being.
At Biofilico, we specialize in wellness-focused architectural solutions that enhance health and happiness. From integrating biophilic design to ensuring operational efficiency and comfort, our expertise can help you transform your healthcare facility into a space that truly promotes well-being.
Speak to our expert team today to learn how we can help you unlock the power of architecture for health.