When pursuing WELL Certification, project teams will need to correctly identify the space types within the project. Space types help clarify how WELL features apply to different areas of a building. 

What are space types?

In WELL v2, space types do not refer to the project type as a whole. Instead, they refer to the individual areas that make up a project.

For example, a single school might include a variety of different space types:

• Classrooms
• Offices
• A commercial kitchen
• Dining areas

By identifying these spaces, project teams gain clarity on which WELL feature requirements apply to which areas.

Why space types matter

Many WELL features include requirements that apply “For All Spaces” within the project boundary. These requirements apply universally, in all spaces, regardless of the project type.

However, certain features have specific requirements for particular space types that either supplement or replace the general requirements (see Space types that affect WELL applicability).

For example:

• Feature N02 Part 1 contains one set of requirements for all spaces and another specific to dining spaces.
• Feature N02 Part 2 has  specific requirements for dining spaces and/or specific requirements for commercial kitchen spaces. 
• Feature N02 Part 3 is only applicable if commercial dining spaces are selected as a space type.

Understanding these distinctions ensures that each part of the project meets the right criteria.

Space types that affect feature applicability

Some space types affect the applicability of certain WELL requirements. The following space types are marked with an asterisk (*) within a project’s Overview and Edit tabs because they influence how certain requirements are applied during the review process. Note that features that apply to these space types will only populate in the project’s Scorecard if the applicable space types are selected.

*Office

An open or enclosed area within a building where commercial and/or professional activities take place such as administrative and/or technical activities, internal and/or external meetings, and/or collaborative work. Office spaces are found in many types of buildings, including hospitals, multifamily residences, manufacturing facilities and schools.

*Commercial Kitchen

Locations where individuals or food service staff prepare food for other occupants. This definition excludes kitchen spaces primarily dedicated for personal or small-group service such as office kitchenettes or home kitchens.

*Commercial Dining

A space within a project boundary where food is consumed on-site following preparation and/or assembly by food service staff. Residential dining spaces and seating areas near office kitchenettes are not considered commercial dining spaces.

*Residential (Guest Rooms and Dwelling Units)

Guest room: A private space for guests within a hotel or other hospitality space. Typically includes a sleeping area and bathroom and may include a kitchen. Cleaning services are regularly provided by the building management. Does not include spaces intended as a primary residence. 

Dwelling Units: An individual unit providing complete, independent living facilities for one or more persons, including permanent provisions for general housing tasks, such as sleeping, eating and sanitation.

Assisted Living and Hospitality

Note that if your sector is Assisted Living, the project should also select the “Residential” space type if guest rooms are in the project boundary.

Other 

Any occupiable space not covered by the definitions above falls under the category of Other. This ensures that all functional areas within a project can be properly classified and assessed under the WELL Standard.

Identifying space types

Projects can identify their space types during enrollment or after enrollment via the Edit tab of the project’s WELL account. Your project’s WELL account includes a list of possible space types under the question ‘Which of the following space types does your project contain?’. Select as many space types as applicable. Note that any occupiable space not covered by the listed space types falls under the category of Other. Be sure to select Other as an applicable space type, if appropriate, to ensure that all functional areas within your project can be properly classified and assessed under the WELL Standard.