855773644-LEED-v5-BD-C-Reference-Guide-Launch-Edition - Page 504
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productivity in offices to better learning outcomes in schools. [171] Views and daylight are essential components of healthy human habitats, however, this doesn’t require excessive glazing. Strategic window placement and thoughtful interior layouts can maximize outdoor connections while maintaining building performance.
Consider findings from the IPp2: Human Impact Assessment, related to the project’s physical context. Identify exterior site elements that meet the view quality requirements of this credit: nature, urban landmarks, arts, or objects at least 25 feet (7.5 meters) from the exterior of the glazing.
Occupants must have direct access to the view and be within three times the head height of the glazing. For example, if the top of a window is eight feet high, occupants must be positioned no more than 24 feet (8 × 3) away from that window. Account for any permanent interior obstructions in the calculations. For example, identify interior features that may block the view to the window, such as structural columns. Vertical columns smaller than one foot (0.3 meters) wide and horizontal features smaller than one foot (0.3 meters) high typically do not block views. Analysis must consider occupant positions throughout all regularly occupied areas to confirm that quality views are present for at least 75% of the total area.
Exterior views through glazing, or vision glazing, must be clear and undistorted. Projects should use bird-friendly — or glazing with elements visible only to birds — to maintain clear views (refer to SSc1: Biodiverse Habitat, Option 2. Bird-friendly Glass). While some patterns are permitted if they maintain visibility, avoid frits, fibers, patterned glazing, or added tints that distort color balance or obstruct the views. Neutral gray, bronze, and blue-green tints typically do not distort the color balance.
Gymnasiums and Auditoriums
- Gymnasiums and auditoriums may be excluded from the quality views requirements.
Option 2. Adaptable Environment
OPTIONALITY OR FLEXIBILITY
Adaptable environments empower occupants to control and customize their surroundings, fostering a greater sense of comfort and belonging. This can take two forms: by providing occupants the ability to move between spaces with different sensory characteristics and to
171 Catherine O. Ryan, William D. Browning, and Dakota B. Walker, The economics of biophilia: Why designing with nature in mind makes financial sense, second edition, (2023), New York: Terrapin Bright Green, LLC. http://www.terrapinbrightgreen.com/report/eob-2.
U.S. Green Building Council LEED v5 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, April 2025 Launch Edition 494