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

Feature 67: Exterior active design

Type Description
Verification type
Type: Verification type
Post Date: 10 Feb, 2016

Add annotated map as required documentation, remove Architect Letter of Assurance.


Feature 68: Physical activity spaces

Type Description
Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 26 Jul, 2017

Remove: "accessible" after "following spaces is". Add: "with complimentary access" after "building's main entrance"


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 27 Apr, 2017

Remove: "b. Complimentary access to gyms, playing fields or swimming pools". Add: "A workout station or fitness zone"


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 27 Apr, 2017

Add: "c. A trail network."


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 27 Apr, 2017

Add: "d. An accessible body of water or public swimming pool."


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 27 Apr, 2017

Add: "e. A gym, fitness, or training center."


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 27 Apr, 2017

Add: "f. A recreational field."


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 27 Apr, 2017

Add: "access to" after "through complimentary"


Alternative Adherence Path
Type: Alternative Adherence Path
Post Date: 27 Apr, 2017

For Feature 68, Part 1, project teams may utilize a shared gym or similar physical activity space located within 50 m (164 ft) of the WELL project boundary. These spaces must be available for complimentary use by occupants. The project is required to submit documentation demonstrating that the space has adequate capacity for the project population, in addition to any other population that this shared amenity supports. Note: This ruling is specifically for Feature 68 and Feature 70. Compliance with other related Features such as Feature 65 and Feature 66 is not implied.


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 27 Apr, 2017

Add: "complimentary access to" after "occupants provide"


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 27 Apr, 2017

Remove: "At least one of the following is accessible within 0.8 km [0.5 mi] walking distance of the building". Add: "At least one of the following spaces is accessible within 0.8 km [0.5 mi] walking distance of the building’s main entrance"


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 27 Apr, 2017

Remove: "a. Parks with playgrounds, workout stations, trails or an accessible body of water". Add: "a. A green space or park with playground features"


Intent
Type: Intent
Post Date: 24 Oct, 2016

In the Feature description, remove the second paragraph. Replace with the following text:
'To promote physical activity through complementary on-site indoor and local outdoor physical activity spaces.'


Verification type
Type: Verification type
Post Date: 10 Feb, 2016

Add annotated map as required documentation, remove Architect Letter of Assurance.


Feature 69: Active transportation support

Type Description
Alternative Adherence Path
Type: Alternative Adherence Path
Post Date: 26 Jul, 2017

Projects may include bike share docking stations toward the bike storage requirements of this feature. The docks must meet the same proximity requirements listed in the feature. The project must provide a minimum of 1 storage space for privately owned bicycles, with at least 1 additional storage space for every 6 bike share docks.


Alternative Adherence Path
Type: Alternative Adherence Path
Post Date: 17 Jan, 2017

Core and Shell projects pursuing Feature 69 may have a leasing agreement that requires future tenants to provide lockers for each future employee to fulfill the requirements of Part 2b. The developer must provide a budget to provide these lockers in the tenant space.


Intent
Type: Intent
Post Date: 24 Oct, 2016

In the Feature description, remove the second paragraph. Replace with the following text:
'Intent: To promote daily physical activity through the provision of on-site support for active commuting.'


Verification type
Type: Verification type
Post Date: 10 Feb, 2016

Add Owner Letter of Assurance as required documentation, remove Architect Letter of Assurance.


Feature 70: Fitness equipment

Type Description
Alternative Adherence Path
Type: Alternative Adherence Path
Post Date: 27 Apr, 2017

For Feature 70, project teams may utilize a shared gym or similar physical activity space located within 50m (164 ft.) of the WELL project boundary. These spaces must be available for complimentary use by occupants. The project is required to submit documentation demonstrating that the space has adequate capacity for the project population, in addition to any other population that this shared amenity supports. Note: This ruling is specifically for Feature 68 and Feature 70. Compliance with other related Features such as Feature 65 and Feature 66 is not implied.


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 27 Apr, 2017

Add: "complimentary access to" after "exercise by providing"


Intent
Type: Intent
Post Date: 24 Oct, 2016

In the Feature description, remove the second paragraph. Replace with the following text:
'Intent: To promote both cardiovascular and muscle-strengthening exercise by providing on-site fitness equipment.'


Verification type
Type: Verification type
Post Date: 10 Feb, 2016

Add Owner Letters of Assurance as required documentation, add on-site spot checks as required verification, remove visual inspections.


Feature 71: Active furnishings

Type Description
Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 27 Apr, 2017

Add: "c. Pairs of fixed-height desks of standing and seated heights (which need not be located adjacent to each other)."


Intent
Type: Intent
Post Date: 24 Oct, 2016

In the Feature description, remove the second paragraph. Replace with the following text:
'Intent: To reduce sedentary behavior by making active workstations readily available to occupants.'


Verification type
Type: Verification type
Post Date: 10 Feb, 2016

Add Owner Letters of Assurance as required documentation, add on-site spot checks as required verification, remove visual inspections.


Feature 72: Accessible design

Type Description
Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 21 Aug, 2017

The Indian code for accessible design ISO 21542:2011 - Building Construction - Accessibility and Usability of the Built Environment, Appendix B: Standards is an acceptable alternative for the American Disabilities Act.


Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 26 Jul, 2017

The German DIN 18040:2010 Construction of accessible buildings - design principles is acceptable for Feature 72 Part 1a. Note, similarly to the application of the Americans with Disabiliites Act (ADA) Standards for Accessible Design to buildings in the US, the German code must apply to all types of buildings. Furthermore, all WELL buildings should be considered "accessible" buildings for the purposes of the code.


Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 27 Apr, 2017

Previously published as AAP:
The UK Part M Volume 2 Standard (Buildings other than dwellings) may be used lieu of the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design as long as the following additional requirements are met: 1. Signage adheres to the requirements of BS 8300: Design of buildings and their approaches to meet the needs of disabled people, as referenced within the Part M Volume 2 Standard. 2. Drinking fountains adhere to the requirements of ADA Standards for Accessible Design, Sections 211 and 602 for Drinking Fountains.


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 27 Apr, 2017

Add: "or comparable local code or standards" after "Accessible Design"


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 27 Apr, 2017

Remove: "Appendix B: Standards"


Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 27 Apr, 2017

Previously published as an AAP:
Projects may utilize the Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), as amended January 1, 2015, as an equivalent local standard to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).


Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 27 Apr, 2017

Previously published as an AAP:
Projects may apply the Government of Hong Kong Special Administrative region Building Department’s Barrier Free Access (BFA) Design Manual, 2008, in lieu of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Standards for Accessible Design.


Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 20 Mar, 2017

The Chinese Code for Accessibility Design (GB50763-2012) is an acceptable equivalent to the American Disabilities Act (ADA) design regulations. Note, similarly to the application of the ADA to buildings in the US, the code must apply to all buildings. Furthermore, all WELL buildings should be considered ""accessible"" buildings for the purposes of the law.


Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 20 Mar, 2017

The Dutch Standard NEN 1814 is an acceptable equivalent to the American Disabilities Act (ADA) design regulations.


Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 20 Mar, 2017

Previously published as an AAP:
The Alberta Building Code - Barrier-Free Design section 3.8 is an acceptable equivalent to the American Disabilities Act (ADA) design regulations.


Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 24 Oct, 2016

The Building Requirements for Persons with Disabilities from British Columbia Building Code has been deemed equivalent to the ADA for Feature 72. Note, similarly to the application of the ADA to buildings in the US, the BC Building Code must apply to all buildings. Furthermore, all WELL buildings should be considered "accessible" building for the purposes of the code.


Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 24 Oct, 2016

The Codi d´Accesibilitat de Catalunya is an acceptable equivalent to the American Disabilities Act (ADA) design regulations. Note, similarly to the application of the ADA to buildings in the US, the code must apply to all buildings. Furthermore, all WELL buildings should be considered "accessible" building for the purposes of the law.


Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 24 Oct, 2016

The Australian Disability Discrimination Act is an acceptable equivalent to the American Disabilities Act (ADA) design regulations. Note, similarly to the application of the ADA to buildings in the US, the Australian Disability Discrimination Act must apply to all buildings. Furthermore, all WELL buildings should be considered "accessible" building for the purposes of the code.


Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 24 Oct, 2016

The French Law regarding PMRs or 'personnes à mobilité réduite' (French Decree No 2006-555 of 17 May 2006, or the latest adoption in effect at the project's registration date) is an acceptable equivalent to the American Disabilities Act (ADA) design regulations. Note, similarly to the application of the ADA to buildings in the US, the code must apply to all buildings. Furthermore, all WELL buildings should be considered "accessible" building for the purposes of the law.


Intent
Type: Intent
Post Date: 24 Oct, 2016

In the Feature description, remove the second paragraph. Replace with the following text:
'Intent: To promote equity by providing buildings that are accessible and usable by people of all physical abilities.'


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 24 Oct, 2016

Replace the existing Part 1 text with the following:
"Part 1: Accessibility and Usability

The projects demonstrates compliance with one of the following:
a. Current ADA Standards for Accessible Design
b. ISO 21542:2011 - Building Construction - Accessibility and Usability of the Built Environment, Appendix B: Standards"


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 24 Oct, 2016

Change the name of the feature from "ADA Accessible Design Standards" to "Accessible Design"


Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 24 Oct, 2016

The Dutch Integral Accessibility Standard is an accepted equivalent for the American Disabilities Act (ADA) design regulations. Note, similarly to the application of the ADA to buildings in the US, the Dutch Integral Accessibility Standard must apply to all buildings. Furthermore, all WELL buildings should be considered "accessible" building for the purposes of the code.


Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 24 Oct, 2016

The Madrid Technical Building Code for Accessibility is an accepted equivalent for the American Disabilities Act (ADA) design regulations. Note, similarly to the application of the ADA to buildings in the US, the Madrid Technical Building Code for Accessibility must apply to all buildings. Furthermore, all WELL buildings should be considered "accessible" building for the purposes of the code.


Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 06 May, 2016

Projects in Canada may utilize the Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), as amended January 1, 2015, as an equivalent local standard to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).


Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 06 May, 2016

The UK Part M Volume 2 Standard (Buildings other than dwellings) may be used lieu of the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design as long as the following additional requirements are met:

1. Signage adheres to the requirements of BS 8300: Design of buildings and their approaches to meet the needs of disables people, as referenced within the Part M Volume 2 Standard.
2. Drinking fountains adhere to the requirements of ADA Standards for Accessible Design, Sections 211 and 602 for Drinking Fountains.


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 10 Feb, 2016

In Part 1a, change "Buildings" to "Projects"


Feature 73: Ergonomics: visual and physical

Type Description
Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 21 Aug, 2017

Code NPR 1813 has been deemed as an acceptable alternative for HFES 100 for Feature 73 Part 3


Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 21 Aug, 2017

IS 3663: 1991 - 'Dimensions of Tables and Chairs for Office Purposes (Second Revision)' has been accepted as an alternative for the requirements of Feature 73 Part 3


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 26 Jul, 2017

Remove: "employee". Add: "occupant"


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 26 Jul, 2017

Remove: "employees" after "Workstations in which". Add: "occupants" after "Workstations in which"


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 26 Jul, 2017

In Part 4a, remove: "employees" after "reaching requirements for". Add: "occupants" after "reaching requirements for"


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 26 Jul, 2017

In Part 4b, remove: "employees" after "a foot rest to allow". Add: "occupants" "a foot rest to allow"


Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 17 Jul, 2017

The European Standard EN-1335 and Dutch Standard NEN 1812, Type A and Type B only, have been approved as acceptable alternatives to HFES 100. Please note EN-1335 Type C has not been approved as an acceptable alternative.


Alternative Adherence Path
Type: Alternative Adherence Path
Post Date: 27 Apr, 2017

For Feature 73, Part 2, the project may provide height adjustable tables and meeting tables apart from workstation desks to meet the feature requirements.


Alternative Adherence Path
Type: Alternative Adherence Path
Post Date: 27 Apr, 2017

For Feature 73, Part 2, the project may provide a lower threshold of the required initial percentage of sit/stand workstations required by the feature, in conjunction with a future purchase commitment and an educational campaign. The campaign must encourage walking during the working day and highlight the benefits of sit-stand desks. The project must also provide instructions to occupants on how to request a sit-stand desk. The project must provide sit-stand desks in multiple options/styles (for trial use by occupants) and commit to accommodate all occupant requests for a sit-stand desk, even in exceedance of the feature requirement.


Intent
Type: Intent
Post Date: 24 Oct, 2016

In the Feature description, remove the second paragraph. Replace with the following text:
'Intent: To reduce physical strain and maximize ergonomic comfort and safety.'


Alternative Adherence Path
Type: Alternative Adherence Path
Post Date: 06 May, 2016

For Part 3 (Seat Flexibility), alternative seat height adjustability and seat depth adjustability ranges may be accepted if the average height of the expected occupants differs significantly from the average height of the US population.


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 10 Feb, 2016

In Part 2a, change "Adjustable Height standing desks." to "Adjustable height sit-stand desks."


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 10 Feb, 2016

In Part 3b, delete "or BIFMA G1 guidelines."


Verification type
Type: Verification type
Post Date: 10 Feb, 2016

Add Owner Letters of Assurance as required documentation, add on-site spot checks as required verification, remove visual inspections.


Feature 74: Exterior noise intrusion

Type Description
Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 26 Jul, 2017

Remove: "6,000 m²". Add: "1,900 m²"


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 26 Jul, 2017

Remove: "6,000 m²". Add: "1,900 m²"


Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 17 Jan, 2017

The Code for Design of Sound Insulation of Civil Buildings’ (B50118-2010) and ‘Environmental Quality Standard for Noise’ (GB3096-2008) have been approved an acceptable method to comply with F74.


Intent
Type: Intent
Post Date: 24 Oct, 2016

In the Feature description, remove the second paragraph. Replace with the following text:
'Intent: To reduce acoustic disruptions by limiting external noise intrusion.'


Feature 75: Internally generated noise

Type Description
Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 21 Aug, 2017

NEN-EN 15251:2007 has been accepted as an alternative for the requirements of Feature 75 Part 2.


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 27 Apr, 2017

Add: "spaces and potential sources of disruption" after "the following"


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 27 Apr, 2017

Remove: "d. Teleconference rooms: maximum noise criteria (NC) of 20."


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 27 Apr, 2017

Add: "," after "as well as occupants themselves"


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 27 Apr, 2017

Remove: "major" after "occupants themselves can be"


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 27 Apr, 2017

Remove: "To reduce acoustic disruptions and increase speech privacy by
creating an acoustic plan and limiting internal noise levels." Add: "To reduce acoustic disruptions from internal noise sources and increase speech privacy."


Alternative Adherence Path
Type: Alternative Adherence Path
Post Date: 09 Feb, 2017

Whereas Noise Criteria levels within a space is driven by sound produced by the HVAC and other mechanical systems which may be outside of a tenant’s control, New and Existing Interiors projects may achieve Feature 75 when achieving NC levels higher than listed, with the following conditions:
- Achieve NC levels of 5 higher, but the project is limited to Gold level of certification, no matter how many Optimization features are achieved.
- Achieve NC levels 10 higher, but the project is limited to Silver level of certification, no matter how many Optimization features are achieved.


Intent
Type: Intent
Post Date: 24 Oct, 2016

In the Feature description, remove the second paragraph. Replace with the following text:
'Intent: To reduce acoustic disruptions and increase speech privacy by creating an acoustic plan and limiting internal noise levels.'


Alternative Adherence Path
Type: Alternative Adherence Path
Post Date: 06 May, 2016

Noise Rating curve values may be used in lieu of Noise Criterion curve values for the mechanical equipment sound levels required in Part 2 of this feature using the same maximum criteria values listed for each space type. The project team must indicate in their documentation application if Noise Rating is to be used in lieu of Noise Criterion.


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 06 May, 2016

In Part 2a, change “Open office spaces and lobbies:” to “Open office spaces and lobbies that are regularly occupied and/or contain workstations:”


Feature 76: Thermal comfort

Type Description
Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 26 Jul, 2017

Previously published as AAP:
ISO 7730:2005 and/or CEN Standard EN 15251:2007 may be used in lieu of ASHRAE 55-2003 Sections 5.3 and 5.4. The requirements of these standards must be met in all spaces, rather than 75% of regularly occupied spaces in the project. When selecting either ISO 7730:2005 or CEN Standard EN 15251:2007, the most appropriate standard must be selected for the space. Note that some naturally ventilated spaces may not qualify to use CEN Standard EN 15251:2007 if certain criteria are not met.

In addition, when utilizing CEN Standard EN 15251:2007, the project must comply with either Category I or Category II as described in Table A.1 of the standard in order to be within +/- 0.5 of the PMV for the space.


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 26 Jul, 2017

Add: "(including circulation areas)" after "mechanically-ventilated projects"


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 26 Jul, 2017

Remove: "naturally-ventilated" after "All spaces in". Add: "naturally-conditioned" after "All spaces in"


Alternative Adherence Path
Type: Alternative Adherence Path
Post Date: 09 Feb, 2017

Multifamily residential projects may certify when not supplying central-system air conditioning or air conditioning units in individual dwelling units, with the following conditions:
- Outdoor air is supplied at a volume to meet Feature 3 Part 4 and is filtered to meet Feature 5 Part 2.
- The developer allocates spaces for tenant-owned, supplemental air conditioning units to be installed.
- The developer supplies all occupants with tenant guidelines for selecting a high-performance air conditioner unit to maximize comfort and optimize efficiency. The guidelines should detail the importance of local thermal comfort standards including environmental factors of air temperature, humidity, radiant temperature, air speed; and personal factors of metabolic rate and clothing insulation.
- Projects using this option are limited to Gold level certification, no matter how many optimizations are achieved.


Alternative Adherence Path
Type: Alternative Adherence Path
Post Date: 17 Jan, 2017

Core and Shell residential projects may fulfill the requirements of Feature 76 by providing a narrative of how the residential units meet local thermal comfort standards (environmental factors: air temperature, humidity, radiant temperature, air speed and personal factors: metabolic rate and clothing insulation) or by providing an allowance for tenants to select an air conditioning unit of their choice from options, which would allow the unit to meet the thermal comfort requirements.


Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 24 Oct, 2016

The Green Star Credit 14 is an accepted equivalent to the requirements of Feature 76: Thermal Comfort. Compliance with the Green Star credit is sufficient to comply with the requirements of Feature 76.


Intent
Type: Intent
Post Date: 24 Oct, 2016

In the Feature description, remove the second paragraph. Replace with the following text:
'Intent: To promote occupant productivity and ensure a sufficient level of thermal comfort.'


Alternative Adherence Path
Type: Alternative Adherence Path
Post Date: 06 May, 2016

Inquiry: In residential units, are the requirements of Feature 76 met if individual unit controls for heating are provided?

Ruling: No, an exemption from ASHRAE 55 requirements may not be granted in residential units if individual unit controls are provided. It is typical for each unit in a multifamily residential development to have individual control over space temperatures with controls allowing occupants to adjust temperatures. In order to rely on the controllability of the systems as an alternative strategy, it must be demonstrated that the local controls allow occupants to set conditions within the unit to meet ASHRAE 55.


Feature 77: Olfactory comfort

Type Description
Intent
Type: Intent
Post Date: 24 Oct, 2016

In the Feature description, remove the second paragraph. Replace with the following text:
'Intent: To maximize olfactory comfort by reducing the transmission of strong smells and odors within the building.'


Alternative Adherence Path
Type: Alternative Adherence Path
Post Date: 24 Oct, 2016

Core and Shell projects pursuing WELL compliance may submit Feature 77 as an Innovation feature under Features 101-105, provided all parts of the Feature are met for the whole building scope (i.e. The building core and shell and all parts of the interior finish-out that are completed by the project owner).


Feature 78: Reverberation time

Type Description
Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 26 Jul, 2017

Remove: "3,000 m³". Add "280 m³"


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 26 Jul, 2017

Remove: "3,000 m³". Add "280 m³"


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 26 Jul, 2017

Remove: "6,000 m³". Add "570 m³"


Intent
Type: Intent
Post Date: 24 Oct, 2016

In the Feature description, remove the second paragraph. Replace with the following text:
'To help maintain comfortable sound levels by limiting reverberation times.'


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 06 May, 2016

In Part 1b, change “Open office spaces:” to “Open workspaces:”


Feature 79: Sound masking

Type Description
Intent
Type: Intent
Post Date: 24 Oct, 2016

In the Feature description, remove the second paragraph. Replace with the following text:
'Intent: To reduce acoustic disruptions and increase speech privacy by implementing sound masking into the building design.'


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 06 May, 2016

In Part 2a, change “Open office spaces:” to “Open workspaces:”


Verification type
Type: Verification type
Post Date: 10 Feb, 2016

Add MEP Letter of Assurance as required documentation, remove Architect Letter of Assurance.


Feature 80: Sound reducing surfaces

Type Description
Intent
Type: Intent
Post Date: 24 Oct, 2016

In the Feature description, remove the second paragraph. Replace with the following text:
'Intent: To reduce sound reverberation and maintain comfortable sound levels though absorptive ceiling and wall surfaces.'


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 24 Oct, 2016

For Part 2a, add "interior" in front of "surrounding walls."


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 06 May, 2016

In Part 1a, change “Open office spaces” to “Open workspaces:”


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 06 May, 2016

In Part 2b, change “Open office spaces:” to “Open workspaces:”


Amendment
Type: Amendment
Post Date: 06 May, 2016

In Part 2c, change “Cubicle style offices:” to “Partitioned office spaces:”


Feature 81: Sound barriers

Type Description
Equivalency
Type: Equivalency
Post Date: 17 Jan, 2017

The China national standard 'Code for Design of Sound Insulation of Civil Buildings' (GB50118-2010) has been approved an acceptable method to comply with F81.
Note that projects must comply with the verification method according to Appendix D.


Intent
Type: Intent
Post Date: 24 Oct, 2016

In the Feature description, remove the second paragraph. Replace with the following text:
'Intent: To reduce sound transmission and acoustic disruptions through sound barriers.'