Glossary

A real estate approach in which wellbeing is a guiding principle in decision-making—shaping planning, design, development, and market positioning. Rather than treating wellness as an added feature, it is embedded into the residential strategy to enhance livability, desirability, and long-term value.

An architectural and design approach grounded in scientific research and aligned with the principles of the WELL Residential framework. Design decisions are guided by key wellbeing parameters—including air, water, nourishment, light, movement, thermal comfort, sound, materials, mind, and community—to support health, comfort, and quality of life.

This approach considers how layout, natural light, material selection, acoustics, environmental quality, and spatial flow influence how people live, feel, and function over time—not only how a space looks.

A design approach grounded in neuroscience and environmental psychology that examines how spatial conditions influence human perception, emotional response, and behavior.

This perspective focuses on how elements such as proportion, light, rhythm, spatial sequencing, natural references, and sensory input affect the nervous system—shaping how spaces support calm, focus, connection, and overall wellbeing.

Rather than relying on standards or checklists, neuroarchitecture-informed design refines the lived experience of space, ensuring that environments not only function well, but feel intuitively supportive to those who inhabit them.

WELL-Inspired projects integrate wellbeing principles strategically without pursuing formal certification.

WELL-Certified projects follow the WELL Building Standard and undergo third-party verification to meet specific performance criteria related to health and wellbeing.

Both approaches aim to enhance human experience; the difference lies in the level of formal documentation and certification.