WELLopedia v2: Movement, Thermal Comfort & Sound Concepts

Unlock a profound grasp of the Movement, Thermal Comfort, and Sound dimensions as delineated in the WELL Building Standard v2. This module not only elucidates the intrinsic connection between these architectural aspects and human health, wellness, and performance but also unveils strategies for sculpting indoor spaces that champion optimal kinetic activity, deliver thermal harmony, and guarantee an ambient sonic milieu.

Throughout this transformative journey, immerse yourself in the intricacies of the Movement, Thermal Comfort & Sound paradigms integral to the WELL Building Standard v2. By the end, you will be adept at discerning how innovative architectural designs, forward-thinking policies, and holistic programs converge to encourage physical dynamism, fortify acoustical serenity, and fine-tune ambient thermal settings, thereby fostering the holistic wellness of the inhabitants. Supplementing theoretical knowledge, we offer a hands-on exploration of these principles, contextualized within a tangible project, ensuring you are well-equipped to infuse these concepts seamlessly into your architectural blueprints.

Additionally, this module stands as a proud pillar of GBRI’s WELLopedia Series: The ins and outs of the WELL Building Standard v2. Engage with this course either as a unique learning venture or as a chapter in our expansive series, tailored to both your curiosity and professional development objectives.

Delve deep into the Thermal Comfort concept of the WELL Building Standard v2 and understand its crucial role in enhancing occupant health, well-being, and productivity. This course will offer an in-depth exploration of how environmental design, policies, and programs can optimize thermal conditions in indoor spaces. Through a practical examination of this feature within a real-world project, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge to integrate Thermal Comfort principles effectively in your building projects. Those eager to deepen their understanding have the option to engage with this course as an individual unit or as part of the broader series. Completing the entire series paves the way to earning the coveted title of GBRI’s Wellness Ambassador. For those who might be unfamiliar, GBRI is a pioneering online educational platform. It gamifies the learning experience around sustainability and is firmly rooted in its mission to make sustainability resources universally accessible.

In today’s architectural landscape, the importance of crafting spaces that nurture the auditory senses is paramount. Welcome to a module that delves deep into the intricate nexus between sound, human health, and the built environment. This course is designed to provide you with a robust understanding of the sound concepts embedded within the WELL Building Standard v2, offering a window into how soundscapes influence occupant health, comfort, and overall productivity.

As we journey through this comprehensive module, we will venture beyond the superficial layers, demystifying the delicate balance of acoustics in the modern architectural realm. We’ll explore a harmonious and holistic approach that speaks to the very essence of acoustical comfort. Drawing upon a rich tapestry of research-driven insights, you’ll be equipped to discern and deploy key design strategies, ensuring that buildings not only look good but sound even better, catering to the acoustic well-being of those within. From sound masking to acoustic zoning, every corner of the sonic spectrum will be touched upon, giving you the tools and knowledge to design, or retrofit spaces that sing in harmony with human needs.

Whether you’re homing in on a singular topic or journeying through the entire WELLopedia Series, this course stands as both an autonomous exploration and an integral fragment of GBRI’s “WELLopedia Series: Deciphering the WELL Building Standard v2.” Tailor your learning experience to your passion or professional commitment, as this course flexibly caters to both stand-alone learners and those on a broader educational odyssey.

Objectives:

1. Delve into the role of kinetic activity in built environments and its significance for human health.
2. Comprehend the importance of ambient thermal conditions in shaping occupant comfort and satisfaction.
3. Investigate techniques for optimizing thermal comfort through innovative building design and systems.
4. Understand the impact of acoustical ambiance on occupant well-being and performance.
5. Engage with real-world scenarios to solidify the practical application of Movement, Thermal Comfort & Sound principles.
6. Familiarize yourself with the integration of Movement, Thermal Comfort, and Sound concepts within the WELL Building Standard v2.
7. To champion the broader objectives of the WELL Building standard, emphasizing the holistic approach to wellness and movement.
8. Understand the core principles behind the Thermal Comfort concept of the WELL Building Standard v2.
9. Explore the significance of optimized thermal conditions in promoting occupant health, well-being, and productivity.
10. Examine how environmental design, policies, and programs can be tailored to enhance indoor thermal conditions.
11. Engage in practical application by studying the integration of the Thermal Comfort concept within a real-world project.
12. Acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to implement Thermal Comfort principles effectively in various building projects.
13. Familiarize oneself with GBRI’s WELLopedia Series and identify where the Thermal Comfort course fits within the broader context of the WELL Building Standard v2.
14. Understand the pivotal role sound plays in the WELL Building Standard, especially in relation to acoustical comfort and overall well-being.
15. Identify varied noise sources and grasp their diverse impacts, ranging from sleep disruption to cognitive effects.
16. Delve into the multifaceted properties of sound, from basic vibrations to the transmission mechanics across materials.
17. Differentiate and apply the concepts of various acoustic zones, such as loud, quiet, mixed, and circulation areas in architectural settings.
18. Navigate with proficiency through essential sound metrics like Sound Pressure Level (SPL), decibels (dB), A-weighted decibels (dBA), and classifications like Noise Isolation Class (NIC) and Sound Transmission Class (STC).
19. Implement strategies to counteract challenges like reverberation and echo, ensuring clearer speech and improved acoustical comfort in built environments.

Keyterms:

WELLOPEDIA, Movement, WELL Building Standard, GBRI, Wellness Ambassador, fitness, Key terms associated with this concept include physical activity, cardiovascular, muscle-strengthening, ergonomics, walkability, public transportation, pedestrian-friendly streets, cycle lanes, wearables, self-monitoring, signages, staircases, active furnishings, fitness centers, promotional programs, physical inactivity, chronic health conditions, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, well-being, community amenities, parks, bicycle lanes, onsite fitness facilities, local facilities, outdoor spaces, and ergonomic workstations.

Acoustical Comfort, WELL Building Standards, Sound Concept, Noise Sources, Sound Mapping, Ambient Background Noise, HVAC Equipment, Reverberation Time, Sound Reducing Surfaces, Acoustical Absorption, Speech Privacy, Sound Barriers, Sound Transmission, STC (Sound Transmission Class), NIC (Noise Isolation Class), Ambient Noise Levels, Sound Isolation, Exterior Noise Intrusion, Occupant Health, Acoustical Design, Sound Exposure, Performance Verification, Speech Intelligibility, Minimum Background Sound, Indoor Air Quality.WELL Building Standards, Thermal Comfort, Indoor air quality, Health and well-being, Energy efficiency, GBRI Community Center, Thermal zoning, Radiant temperature, Humidity control Occupant satisfaction, Musculoskeletal health, Thermal Performance Survey, Sick building syndrome, ASHRAE 55, Personal thermal comfort devices, Outdoor shading, Operable windows