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

Biophilia II - quantitative

Biophilia supports the idea that humans have an affinity towards the natural world. Evidence on the emotional and psychological benefits of nature is mounting. Research indicates that the experience of nature or nature-derived patterns can improve experience, mood and happiness.

Part 1: Outdoor Biophilia

At least 25% of the project site area meets the following requirements:

a. Features either landscaped grounds or rooftop gardens accessible to building occupants.
b.95 Consists of, at minimum, 70% plantings including tree canopies (within the 25%).
Part 2: Indoor Biophilia

Wall and potted plants are incorporated into the design of interior space according to the following:

a.95 Potted plants or planted beds cover at least 1% of floor area per floor.
b.95 A plant wall per floor, covering a wall area equal or greater than 2% of the floor area, or covering the largest of the available walls, whichever is greater.
Part 3: Water Feature

At least one water feature for every 9,290 m² [100,000 ft²] in projects larger than 9,290 m² [100,000 ft²] which meets the following requirements:

a.95 At least 1.8 m [5.8 to 6 ft] in height or 4 m² [43 ft²] in area.
b. Ultraviolet sanitation or other technology to address water safety.
Nervous

Applicability Matrix

Core & Shell New & Existing Buildings New & Existing Interiors
Part 1: Outdoor Biophilia O O O
Part 2: Indoor Biophilia - O O
Part 3: Water Feature O O O
Commercial Kitchen Education Multifamily Residential Restaurant Retail
Part 1: Outdoor Biophilia - O O O -
Part 2: Indoor Biophilia - O O O -
Part 3: Water Feature - O O O -

Verification Methods Matrix

Letters of Assurance Annotated Documents On-Site Checks
PART 1 (Design)
Outdoor Biophilia
Owner Spot Check
PART 2 (Design)
Indoor Biophilia
Architect Spot Check
PART 3 (Design)
Water Feature
Architect Spot Check
95

Marcus, C. C. & Sachs, N. A. Therapeutic Landscapes: An Evidence-based Approach to Designing Healing. Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons; 2013.

100.1.b

Marcus and Sachs' Therapeutic Landscapes: An Evidence-based Approach to Designing Healing provide guidelines for planting, including the provision of gardens that have an approximate ratio of 70% softscape (plants) to 30% hardscape.

100.2.b

Marcus and Sachs' Therapeutic Landscapes: An Evidence-based Approach to Designing Healing recommends incorporating vegetation growing at multiple heights, such as through planted walls.

100.2.a

Marcus and Sachs' Therapeutic Landscapes: An Evidence-based Approach to Designing Healing recommends providing opportunities for indoor nature connection, such as through the use of potted plants.

100.3.a

Marcus and Sachs' Therapeutic Landscapes: An Evidence-based Approach to Designing Healing recommends providing at least one water feature.