Good acoustics can improve your memory by 66%
While developing extensive employee wellness programs can be complex, and deeply connected to our individual choices and behaviors, there’s something to be said for healthy building and design - the kind that inherently invites us into a realm of well-being without us always necessarily being aware of it.
The WELL Building Standard and the FitWel Certification System are two of a handful of internationally recognized certifications that we work with to ensure that the spaces we build are putting health and wellness front and center. Marrying best practices in design and construction with evidence-based scientific research, these standards assess hundreds of building elements, such as light, air quality, and acoustics, but also interior aspects that invite physical activity and mental well-being.
Hear from a few people in the short film above what it’s like to work in two healthy offices we built: Klipporna and Epic, both located in Malmö, Sweden.
”When you park your car in the building, you suddenly find yourself in a different world – there’s a kindergarten with children who are playing in its playground, a water fountain, facilities for people to engage in various sports, trees, greenery and places to rest.”
- Eva Nykodymová, EHS & Sustainability Manager, Skanska Czech Republic
Capitol Tower, also known as the Bank of America Tower in Houston, Texas, was recently awarded a three-star rating from FitWel, the building standard’s highest ranking and Houston’s first to receive such a certification. Of all the FitWel certified projects, Bank of America Tower ranks among the largest.
Graded using a wide variety of the FitWel criteria, the building features diverse indoor and outdoor fitness opportunities, improved indoor air quality and enhanced workplace safety amongst other more sustainable building elements. 90% of the building offers people access to daylight and views. One that particularly stands out is the Sky Park – a large, flourishing roof inviting spontaneous coffee breaks, outdoor meetings and greener hideaways for those who need a moment of reflection.
Access to natural light can help you sleep up to 46 minutes more per night
As the world around has as changed, our connection to nature has decreased. Research shows that we de-stress, recharge and recoup better when spending time amongst elements of nature - the same goes for the indoors. That’s one reason why we use plants as interior details, or prefer a seat with a view. While most urban environments today can feel quite strile and bare, more and more architects and designers are exploring biophilia - the bond between humans and other living systems.
Upon creating Spark in Warsaw, the first to receive the WELL Core & Shell Certification in Poland, biophilia was largely incorporated into its design. One example is the prominently placed, green-clad stairs by the entrance, making them the most obvious, attractive and healthy choice.
Research shows that 71 percent feel healthier in a workplace that supports their physical activity, and 12 percent on average are more productive. While a green and welcoming staircase is one way of promoting more daily movement, incorporating a bicycle hotel is another.
On the ground floor of Epic in Malmö, Sweden, tenants have the possibility to park their bikes in one of the 120 bikeslots, as well as take a shower in the adjacent lockerrooms with its complimentary towel service. Biking or walking to work doesn’t only minimize the risk of high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity, it also lessens our carbon footprint. Simply put: a win-win for you and Mother Nature.
