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

Right to light

Right to light

Intent: 

To promote exposure to daylight and views of varying distances by limiting the distance workstations can be from a window or atrium.

BACKGROUND

Exposure to adequate levels of sunlight is critical for health and well-being, for effects ranging from visual comfort to potential psychological and neurological gains: there are measurable physiological benefits to receiving the quality of light provided by the sun, as well as positive subjective reports from occupants able to enjoy access to sunlight. Proximity to windows, outdoor views and daylight in indoor spaces are some of the most sought-after elements of design. As such, buildings should utilize daylight as a primary source of lighting to the greatest extent possible.

Part 1
Lease Depth

The following requirement is met:
a.
75% of the area of all regularly occupied spaces is within 7.5 m [25 ft] of view windows.

Part 2
Window Access

The following conditions are met:
a.
75% of all workstations are within 7.5 m [25 ft] of an atrium or a window with views to the exterior.
b.
95% of all workstations are within 12.5 m [41 ft] of an atrium or a window with views to the exterior.