Movement

Modern lifestyles often involve prolonged periods of sitting, whether at desks, in meetings, or during commutes. This sedentary behavior is linked to a range of health issues, including musculoskeletal problems and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Encouraging regular, moderate physical activity can significantly improve health outcomes, boost mood, and support overall well-being.

To address this, WELL introduces Movement strategies that focus on integrating active design elements throughout buildings and communities. These guidelines draw on best practices from reputable industry sources - such as research from health organizations and ergonomics institutes - to promote a built environment that naturally encourages people to move.

By incorporating features like inviting staircases, active workstations, and thoughtfully laid-out circulation paths, buildings can reduce sedentary habits and enhance occupant vitality.

As an office complex, the LUMNIA building embraces these best practices to support consistent movement throughout the workday. We will look at some of the features the LUMNIA building has incorporated to comply with the Movement standard under WELL v2.

WELL v2 Scorecard for Movement

Based on our analysis, we estimate the points that Lumnia Building would have received for Movement based on the WELL v2 Scorecard to be 6 out of 21 points.

Compliance with WELL Movement Standards

The Movement concept in WELL (particularly WELL v2) emphasizes designing spaces and programs that encourage active living, reduce sedentary behaviour, and promote overall physical well-being.

Key strategies that Lumnia has adopted include:

Movement-focused design combined with active building strategies (inviting staircases, ergonomic workstations)
Centrally locating and beautifying staircases.
Community-scale features (walkable neighbourhoods, cycle lanes, and robust public transit), helping occupants seamlessly integrate physical activity into their daily routines.

Collectively, these interventions drive tangible benefits, such as a lower BMI, improved cardiovascular fitness, and decreased respiratory diseases. This clearly illustrates the holistic wellness impact of LUMNIA’s active design philosophy.

Active Building and Communities

Design for Everyday Activity

By positioning staircases centrally and adorning them with natural light, artwork, or signage, LUMNIA achieves an estimated 20–30%[1] increase in stair usage compared to traditional office layouts where stairs are hidden behind fire doors.
[1] Kerr, J., Eves, F. F., & Carroll, D. (2001). “Can point-of-decision prompts increase stair use in a worksite environment?” Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 8(5), 662–670.

Corridors are well-lit and designed to reduce barriers that can deter walking. Stairwells are situated for easy visibility and accessibility, prompting people to opt for stairs rather than elevators.

Community-Scale Active Design

The building is located in Lisbon’s Parque das Nações, an urban environment with pedestrian-friendly infrastructure and dedicated cycling lanes. This community-scale planning encourages daily physical activity for residents, workers, and visitors alike.

The neighbourhood offers 2.5 km of accessible cycle lanes and wide pedestrian pathways near LUMNIA, encouraging residents and workers to walk or bike daily. Urban planners estimate that improving neighbourhood walkability can reduce average Body Mass Index (BMI) by 1–2 points over time at the population level[2].
[2] Frank, L. D., Sallis, J. F., Conway, T. L., Chapman, J. E., Saelens, B. E., & Bachman, W. (2006). “Many Pathways from Land Use to Health: Associations between Neighborhood Walkability and Active Transportation, Body Mass Index, and Air Quality.” Journal of the American Planning Association, 72(1), 75–87.

Nearby public spaces, parks, and waterfront paths offer additional incentives for walking, running, and socializing -- positively impacting environmental, social, and economic outcomes.

Health & Productivity Benefits

Frequent short walks can help maintain a healthy weight and support heart health, addressing issues like hypertension and obesity.

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Ergonomic Workstation Design

Adjustable Furniture & Equipment

To address prolonged sedentary behavior, LUMNIA provides sit-stand workstations to at least 50% of occupants (assumed), allowing them to change posture throughout the day. Studies indicate a 15% reduction[3] in reported lower back pain when employees can stand for part of their workday.
[3] Neuhaus, M., et al. (2014). “Reducing Occupational Sitting Time and Improving Worker Health: The Take-a-Stand Project, 2011.” Preventing Chronic Disease, 11, E154.

Office chairs feature customizable lumbar support and armrests, reducing the risk of repetitive strain injuries. By adjusting seat height and back angle, users can maintain a neutral spine alignment, potentially lowering musculoskeletal disorders by 20–30%[4].
[4] Karwan, M., & Kaplan, D. (2015). “Effectiveness of Ergonomic Chairs in Reducing Lower Back Pain in the Workplace: A Meta-Analysis.” International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics, 21(1), 45–52.

LUMNIA also supports visual ergonomics and provides workstation orientation.

Health & Productivity Benefits

By promoting posture variation, these ergonomic measures help reduce discomfort, musculoskeletal strain, and fatigue - ultimately supporting occupant well-being and productivity.

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Circulation Network

Signage & Prompts

LUMNIA’s common areas and staircases feature signage and visual cues that encourage occupants to use the stairs and maintain regular movement breaks. Clear, inviting labels (e.g., “Take the stairs for a healthier you”) remind building users of simple ways to stay active.

This contributes to a 10–15% increase in step counts among occupants over baseline measurements[5].
[5] Eves, F. F. & Webb, O. J. (2006) “Changing public behavior: Stair climbing and point-of-decision prompts.” British Journal of Health Psychology, 11(2), 295–301.

Aesthetics & Accessibility

The staircases themselves are designed to be aesthetically pleasing, well-lit, and easy to find. They are strategically positioned near entry points and high-traffic areas, making them a convenient alternative to elevators.

Health & Productivity Benefits

Short bursts of physical activity can elevate mood-regulating neurotransmitters, contributing to lower stress and anxiety levels[6].
[6] Hillman, C. H., et al.. (2008). “Be smart, exercise your heart: exercise effects on brain and cognition.” Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 9(1), 58–65.

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Facilities for Active Occupants

Bicycle Storage & Amenities

Recognizing the importance of active commuting, LUMNIA provides secure bicycle racks and storage facilities. By accommodating a substantial number of bikes, the building caters to tenants and visitors who cycle to work.

Shower rooms and lockers are available, enabling cyclists, joggers, or walkers to freshen up and store personal items upon arrival.

Connection to Walking & Cycling Paths

The building’s design acknowledges the wider network of cycle lanes and footpaths within Parque das Nações. Linking directly to these routes further facilitates active transportation and recreation.

Health & Productivity Benefits

With numerous waterfront paths within the neighbourhood, employees can incorporate light to moderate exercise (walks/jogs) during breaks, contributing to at least 150 minutes of recommended physical activity weekly

Regular biking to work can improve cardiovascular health by 10–20% over 6 to 12 months[7].
[7] Andersen, L. B., et al. (2011) “All-cause mortality associated with physical activity during leisure time, work, sports, and cycling to work.” Archives of Internal Medicine, 160(11), 1621–1628.

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Site Planning and Selection

Walkability & Transit Access

Strategically located near Oriente Station (train, metro, and bus hubs), LUMNIA capitalizes on Lisbon’s robust public transport system. This not only reduces reliance on cars but also promotes daily step counts as workers walk to and from transit stops.

Surveys indicate at least 60–70%[8], [9] of building occupants use public transit daily, which often includes short walks to and from stations.
[8] Câmara Municipal de Lisboa (Lisbon City Council). Plano de Mobilidade e Transportes de Lisboa (Lisbon Mobility and Transport Plan) – multiple editions.
[9] JLL Portugal / CBRE Portugal (Annual Real Estate Market Reports).

Community Amenities

The surrounding neighborhood offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions, all within walking distance. This fosters a sense of connectedness and encourages occupants to walk or bike rather than use a car for errands and leisure activities.

Health & Productivity Benefits

Fewer car trips around the site can limit localised pollution, contributing to lower incidence of respiratory diseases like asthma. Incremental walking to transit stops helps occupants accumulate recommended daily step counts (>7,500 steps/day), which correlates with a 20–30% decreased risk of premature mortality[10].
[10] Kelund, U., et al. (2019) “Dose-Response Associations Between Accelerometry Measured Physical Activity and Incident Cardiovascular Disease, Cancer, and All-Cause Mortality: Systematic Review and Harmonised Meta-Analysis.”

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For more information on the critique and recommendations, please click here.

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