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

Interior fitness circulation

Interior fitness circulation

Intent: 

To encourage intermittent bouts of physical activity and reduce sedentary behavior through accessible, safe, and visually appealing stairs, entryways, and corridors.

BACKGROUND

The integration of interior pathways and stairs within the built environment can provide a convenient way to incorporate short periods of physical activity into the workday, thus reducing sedentary tendencies. Stair climbing is a low-impact, moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity that burns calories and has been associated with improved cardiorespiratory fitness and a lower risk of stroke. To encourage greater use, pathways and stairs should be aesthetically pleasing and easily accessible from high-traffic routes.

Part 1
Stair Accessibility and Promotion

In projects of 2 to 4 floors, at least one common staircase meets the following requirements:
a.27
Stairs are accessible to regular building occupants during all regular business hours.
b.87
Throughout the space wayfinding signage and point-of-decision prompts are present to encourage stair use (at least one sign per elevator bank).

Part 2
Staircase Design

In projects of 2 to 4 floors, at least one common staircase meets the following requirements:
a.27
Located within 7.5 m [25 ft] of the building's main entrance, main entry check-point (e.g., welcome/reception desk), the edge of its main lobby, or edge of its main welcome area.
b.27
Clearly visible from the building’s main entrance, main entry check-point (e.g., welcome/reception desk), the edge of its main lobby, or edge of its main welcome area, or are located visually before any elevators present upon entering from the main entrance.
c.87
Stair width set at a minimum of 1.4 m [56 in] between handrails, or the maximum allowable by local code.

Part 3
Facilitative Aesthetics

In projects of 2 to 4 floors, both common stairs and paths of frequent travel display elements of aesthetic appeal by incorporating at least 2 of the following:
a.87
Artwork.
b.87
Music.
c.27
Daylighting using windows or skylights of at least 1 m² [10.8 ft²] in size.
d.87
View windows to the outdoors or building interior.
e.
Light levels of at least 215 lux [20 fc] when the stairs are in use.
f.
Biophilic elements.