07. Dwelling Units - Views from Dwelling Units

Provide access to views of nature from dwelling units

Rationale: Views of greenery, trees, water, and other natural elements throughout the day can increase occupants’ perceived connection with nature, contributing to a decreased risk of chronic inflammation and a diminished risk of mental health conditions including distress, depression and anxiety.                    

For the most accurate strategy and documentation requirements, please refer to the digital scorecard made available on the Fitwel Platform.

Requirements

Demonstrate compliance with one of the options below:

Option 1 - Views from all Dwelling Units (Full Credit):

Provide access to views of nature by meeting all of the following requirements:    

Low-Rise Residential with shared interior spaces (LR+), Low-Rise Residential with no shared interior spaces (LR)

1. Ensure access to views of one of the following qualifying outdoor natural elements from each dwelling unit within the project:
   • vegetation or greenery, such as plants, trees, lawns, or parks
   • water bodies, including ponds, lakes, rivers, or other natural water bodies
   • landscape, such as mountains, forests, hills, or other natural landscapes.
2. Ensure the view of outdoor natural elements meets one of the following:
   • for nearby views, be visible within 300 feet or 92 meters of the building(s) windows
   • for distant views beyond 300 feet or 92 meters, be uninterrupted by buildings or other architectural elements.

Option 2 - Views from 51% of Dwelling Units (Full Credit):

Provide access to views of nature from 51% of dwelling units by demonstrating compliance with the following requirements:    

Low-Rise Residential with shared interior spaces (LR+), Low-Rise Residential with no shared interior spaces (LR)

1. Ensure access to views of one of the following qualifying outdoor natural elements from 51% of dwelling units within the project:
   • vegetation or greenery, such as plants, trees, lawns, or parks
   • water bodies, including ponds, lakes, rivers, or other natural water bodies
   • landscape, such as mountains, forests, hills, or other natural landscapes.
2. Ensure the view of outdoor natural elements meets one of the following:
   • for nearby views, be visible within 300 feet or 92 meters of the building(s) windows
   • for distant views beyond 300 feet or 92 meters, be uninterrupted by buildings or other architectural elements.

Compliance Documentation

Design Pathway (LR+, LR)

Option 1: 

• Requirement 1:
  • Upload an annotated plan for each typical floor of all buildings within the project with dwelling units showing the following:
    • the location of all dwelling units
    • all dwelling units with views of nature.       
  • Upload annotated design drawings or photographs showing each unique qualifying outdoor element.       
• Requirement 2:
  • Upload an annotated plan or design drawing detailing:
    • the distance between the outdoor natural elements in view and the furthest building facade within the required distance
    • all buildings or structures between the furthest building facade and the outdoor natural elements in view.

Option 2: 

• Requirement 1:
  • Upload an annotated plan for each typical floor of all buildings within the project with dwelling units showing the following:
    • the location of all dwelling units
    • all dwelling units with views of nature.      
  • Upload annotated design drawings or photographs showing each unique qualifying outdoor element.      
• Requirement 2:
  • Upload an annotated plan or design drawing detailing:
    • the distance between the outdoor natural elements in view and the furthest building facade within the required distance
    • all buildings or structures between the furthest building facade and the outdoor natural elements in view.

Built Pathway (LR+, LR)

Option 1: 

• Requirement 1:
  • Upload an annotated plan for each typical floor of all buildings within the project with dwelling units showing the following:
    • the location of all dwelling units
    • all dwelling units with views of nature.      
  • Upload annotated photographs showing each unique qualifying outdoor element.       
  • Upload a description confirming the following:
    • the total number of dwelling units
    • the total number of dwelling units with access to qualifying views.    
• Requirement 2:
  • Upload an annotated plan, map, design drawings or photographs detailing:
    • the distance between the outdoor natural elements in view and the furthest building facade within the required distance
    • all buildings or structures between the furthest building facade and the outdoor natural elements in view.
  • Upload annotated photographs showing the views of nature on each exposed side of the building(s).        

Option 2: 

• Requirement 1:
  • Upload an annotated plan(s) for each typical floor of all buildings within the project with dwelling units showing the following:
    • the location of all dwelling units
    • all dwelling units with views of nature.     
  • Upload annotated photographs showing each unique qualifying outdoor element.        
  • Upload a description confirming the following:
    • the total number of dwelling units
    • the total number of dwelling units with access to qualifying views.       
• Requirement 2:
  • Upload an annotated plan, map, design drawings or photographs detailing:
    • the distance between the outdoor natural elements in view and the furthest building facade within the required distance
    • all buildings or structures between the furthest building facade and the outdoor natural elements in view.
  • Upload annotated photographs showing the views of nature on each exposed side of the building(s).