Ingenuity Summer 2019

Pond Ingenuity Summer 2019 9 through the global development of heath- enhancing spaces. The coordination of this standard took an involved process of seven years, with careful considerations to scientific, practitioner and medical expert research and review. Since its inception, it has raised the bar for ecofriendly architecture. With over 200 projects in 21 countries that collectively span 45 million square feet, the WELL Building Standard has already had a significant impact on the implementation of healthy workspaces and people-friendly buildings. Designers recognized a need for this type of standard due to the considerable amount of time humans spend in buildings, which was reported at over 90 percent. Sedentary offices, poor air quality and workplace stress can negatively impact the health of building occupants. Combatting the health woes of the modern office is steering the direction of designing WELL- compliant spaces. Newly-accredited and enthusiastic about creating human-centered spaces, James understands that sustainability and LEED will continue to be the standard in the planning and construction of new built environments. While companies might shy away from additional costs, he asserts that it would be advantageous to resist doing so. “There is great business case for WELL standards because healthy employees can result in higher productivity, sustained employee retention, lower health insurance premiums and an overall more enjoyable work environment,” said James. “Improving the return on the investment companies make on their people can- and often does- more than offset the additional design, construction and operational costs of achieving WELL certification on a construction or renovation project”. Pond is moving in a progressive direction by offering this service to clients. Even if they do not implement all aspects of the WELL certification, Pond designers can be strategic in incorporating some elements of the standard. Some practical elements clients might want include making staircases more prominent and inviting to encourage their use, locating lights and windows to avoid invasive glare and offering healthy vending machine options. “Making buildings healthier and more sustainable is simply being responsible,” said James. “Improving the built environment for the people who inhabit it is why many of us, myself included, got into architecture in the first place.” Now that James has gone through the process of becoming a WELL AP, he is happy to help any of Pond’s clients or staff who would like to learn more, or go through the study and exam process. As always, please feel free to reach out to him or any other members of the Sustainability and Design Committee to help achieve project or professional sustainability goals.  James Schoen, WELL AP, LEED AP BD+C, Architectural Designer CREDITS: 1 Torres, Nicole. “Gazing at Nature Makes You More Productive.” Harvard Business Review. 1 Sept. 2015; 2 Interface Inc. “Creating Positive Spaces Using the Well Building Standard” Well Building Guide. 2019 2017 © INTERNATIONAL WELL BUILDING INSTITUTE PBC “Simple investments in providing healthful food to employees... end up preventing the need for expensive healthcare treaments.”‑ 2