This is a legacy version of the WELL Building Standard. Please check the latest version here.
  1. Light
  2. Surface design

Surface design

Features>Light>59. Surface design

59. 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 received by the eyes.

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 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.
Part 3: Safe Nighttime Navigation Lighting

The following conditions are met:

a. Nightlights are installed to provide a safe path from all sleeping areas to the closest bathroom and within the bathroom.
b. Nightlights are located no higher than 30 cm [1 ft] above the ground and do not have a beam angle above the horizontal plane.
c. Nightlights are motion-activated with a manual off and manual on option.
d. Nightlights do not emit light at wavelengths below 550 nm.
e. Each nightlight does not produce more than 15 lumens.
Muscular
Nervous
Endocrine

Applicability Matrix

Core & Shell Tenant Improvement New Construction
Part 2: Bedroom Wall and Ceiling Lightness - - -
Part 3: Living Space Wall and Ceiling Lightness - - -
Part 3: Safe Nighttime Navigation Lighting - - -
Commercial Kitchen Schools Multifamily Residential Restaurant Retail
Part 2: Bedroom Wall and Ceiling Lightness - - O - -
Part 3: Living Space Wall and Ceiling Lightness - - O - -
Part 3: Safe Nighttime Navigation Lighting - - O - -

Verification Methods Matrix

Letters of Assurance Annotated Documents On-Site Checks
PART 2 ()
Bedroom Wall and Ceiling Lightness 		Architect
PART 3 ()
Safe Nighttime Navigation Lighting 		Auditor Inspection
PART 3 ()
Living Space Wall and Ceiling Lightness 		Architect

80

U.S. General Services Administration (GSA). Facilities Standards for the Public Buildings Service. March 2014, Washington, D.C., pp. 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%.
Features>Light>59. Surface design