Surface design

Exposure to light is the primary means by which humans experience the non-visual effects of light, such as the regulation of the circadian cycle. Exposure can depend on the reflective quality of surfaces, which can affect the intensity of light that our eyes receive.

This feature defines the reflective quality of surfaces to control the overall light intensity within a space. Higher Light Reflectance Values (LRV) reflect more light from the source resulting in maximum light intensity, an effect that promotes alertness and activity. Lower LRVs absorb light from the source and result in lower overall light intensity.

Part 1: Work Area Wall and Ceiling Lightness

The following Light Reflectance Values (LRV) are met:

a) Ceilings have an average LRV of 0.8 (80%) or more for at least 80% of surface area in regularly occupied spaces.

b) Walls have an average LRV of 0.7 (70%) or more for at least 50% of surface area directly visible from regularly occupied spaces.

c) Furniture systems have a LRV of 0.5 (50%) or more for 50% of visible surface area within regularly occupied spaces.

Part 2: Bedroom Wall and Ceiling Lightness

The following Light Reflectance Values (LRV) are met for bedrooms:

a) Ceilings have an average LRV of 0.4 (40%) or more for at least 80% of surface area.

b) Walls have an average LRV of 0.4 (40%) or less for at least 80% of surface area.

Part 3: Living Space Wall and Ceiling Lightness

The following Light Reflectance Values are met for residential spaces other than bedrooms:

a) Ceilings have an average LRV of 0.4 (40%) or more for at least 80% of surface area.

b) Walls have an average LRV of 0.6 (60%) or less for at least 80% of surface area.

Muscular

Nervous

Endocrine

	Core & Shell	New Construction	WELL Interiors
Part 1: Work Area Wall and Ceiling Lightness	-	O	O
Part 2: Bedroom Wall and Ceiling Lightness	-	-	-
Part 3: Living Space Wall and Ceiling Lightness	-	-	-

	Commercial Kitchen	Education	Multifamily Residential	Retail
Part 1: Work Area Wall and Ceiling Lightness	-	O	-	-
Part 2: Bedroom Wall and Ceiling Lightness	-	-	O	-
Part 3: Living Space Wall and Ceiling Lightness	-	-	O	-

Verification Methods Matrix

	Letters of Assurance	Annotated Documents	On-Site Checks
PART 1 (Design) Work Area Wall and Ceiling Lightness	Architect
PART 2 () Bedroom Wall and Ceiling Lightness	Architect
PART 3 () Living Space Wall and Ceiling Lightness	Architect

Show Standard Citations

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.**
59.1.a	The GSA's Facilities Standard for the Public Buildings Service Baseline requires an average LRV for ceilings of 80% or greater.
59.1.b	The GSA's Facilities Standard for the Public Buildings Service Tier 2 High Performance recommends an average LRV on walls of 70%.

This is a legacy version of the WELL Building Standard. Please check the latest version here.

59. Surface design