This is a legacy version of the WELL Building Standard. Please check the latest version here.
  1. Light
  2. Solar glare control

Solar glare control

Features>Light>56. Solar glare control

56. Solar glare control

Though bright levels of light during the day are conducive to good health, uneven levels of brightness in the visual field can cause visual fatigue and discomfort as the eyes rapidly attempt to adjust to these differences.

This feature prescribes a variety of solutions for effectively managing disruptive glare emanating from windows, including shading designs, baffles, controls, and dimmable glass.

Part 1: View Window Shading

At least one of the following is present for all glazing less than 2.1 m [7 ft] above the floor:

a) Interior window shading or blinds that are controllable by the occupants or on a timer.
b) External shading systems that are controllable by the occupants or on a timer.
c) Variable opacity glazing, such as electrochromic glass, which can reduce transmissivity by 90% or more.
Part 2: Daylight Management

At least one of the following is required for all glazing greater than 2.1 m [7 ft] above the floor:

a) Interior window shading or blinds that are controllable by the occupants or on a timer.
b) External shading systems that are controllable by the occupants or on a timer.
c) Interior light shelves to reflect sunlight toward the ceiling.
d) A film of micro-mirrors on the window that reflect sunlight toward the ceiling.
e) Variable opacity glazing, such as electrochromic glass, which can reduce transmissivity by 90% or more.
Part 3: Spectator Sun Protection

At least one of the following requirements must be met:

a) 50% of all seats are directly under cover to protect spectators from direct sunlight and other weather elements.
b) Space is provided for 100% of spectators to seek refuge from the sun and other weather elements.
Muscular
Nervous
Skeletal

Applicability Matrix

Core & Shell New Construction WELL Interiors
Part 1: View Window Shading O P P
Part 2: Daylight Management O P P
Part 3: Spectator Sun Protection - - -
Commercial Kitchen Education Multifamily Residential Retail
Part 1: View Window Shading P P - P
Part 2: Daylight Management P P - P
Part 3: Spectator Sun Protection - - - -

Verification Methods Matrix

Letters of Assurance Annotated Documents On-Site Checks
PART 1 (Design)
View Window Shading 		Architect Spot Check
PART 2 (Design)
Daylight Management 		Architect Spot Check

80

U.S. General Services Administration (GSA). Facilities Standards for the Public Buildings Service. Washington D.C.: U.S. General Services Administration (GSA); March 2014: 135-136.
56.1.a

The U.S. GSA's Facilities Standard for the Public Buildings Service Tier 1 High Performance rating requires view-preserving blinds.
56.2.a

The U.S. GSA's Facilities Standard for the Public Buildings Service Tier 1 High Performance rating requires view-preserving blinds.
Features>Light>56. Solar glare control