TOGAF
Vendor-neutral framework for enterprise architecture governance
WELL
Performance-based certification for occupant health in buildings
Quick Verdict
TOGAF guides enterprise architecture for IT-business alignment in complex organizations, while WELL certifies buildings for occupant health via performance-tested environmental standards. Companies adopt TOGAF for efficiency and governance, WELL for wellness, productivity, and ESG differentiation.
TOGAF
TOGAF Standard, 10th Edition
Key Features
- Iterative Architecture Development Method (ADM) lifecycle
- Content Framework with metamodel for traceability
- Enterprise Continuum for reusable architecture assets
- Reference models including TRM and III-RM
- Architecture Capability Framework for governance
WELL
WELL Building Standard v2
Key Features
- 10 core concepts covering air, water, light, and mind
- Mandatory preconditions and optional point-based optimizations
- On-site performance verification testing required
- Certification tiers from Bronze to Platinum
- Continuous monitoring for ongoing compliance
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
TOGAF Details
What It Is
TOGAF Standard, 10th Edition is a vendor-neutral enterprise architecture framework developed by The Open Group. Its primary purpose is to provide a proven methodology for designing, planning, implementing, and governing enterprise-wide IT and business change. The core approach is the iterative Architecture Development Method (ADM), supporting tailoring for various organizational contexts.
Key Components
- **ADM phasesPreliminary, Vision, Business/Data/Application/Technology Architectures, Opportunities, Migration, Governance, Change Management.
- **Content FrameworkDeliverables, artifacts, building blocks, and metamodel for core entities like actors, services, data.
- Enterprise Continuum, reference models (TRM, SIB, III-RM), and Architecture Capability Framework.
- No formal certification for organizations; practitioner certifications available.
Why Organizations Use It
Drives strategic alignment, reduces duplication, enables reuse, improves ROI, and supports risk management. Adopted voluntarily for efficiency in large enterprises, governments; avoids vendor lock-in, enhances governance and interoperability.
Implementation Overview
Phased rollout: foundation, pilot, scale via tailored ADM. Involves maturity assessment, repository setup, training. Suited for large/complex organizations across industries; requires governance board, tools integration.
WELL Details
What It Is
The WELL Building Standard (WELL v2) is a performance-based certification framework administered by the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI). It focuses on designing, operating, and verifying buildings to advance human health and well-being through evidence-based strategies across indoor environmental quality and organizational policies.
Key Components
- **10 core conceptsAir, Water, Nourishment, Light, Movement, Thermal Comfort, Sound, Materials, Mind, Community (plus Innovation).
- 24 Preconditions (mandatory pass/fail) and 102 Optimizations (point-earning).
- Built on public health and building science research.
- Certification tiers: Bronze (40 points), Silver (50), Gold (60), Platinum (80), with concept minimums at higher levels.
Why Organizations Use It
- Enhances occupant health, productivity, and ESG reporting.
- Differentiates assets via verified performance (e.g., higher rents, retention).
- Mitigates risks like poor IEQ; complements LEED.
- Builds stakeholder trust through third-party verification.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, scorecard, documentation, on-site verification, recertification every 3 years.
- Applies to new/existing buildings, all sizes/industries.
- Requires third-party review and performance testing.
Key Differences
| Aspect | TOGAF | WELL |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Enterprise architecture across business/IT domains | Building health/well-being via 10 environmental concepts |
| Industry | All industries, large enterprises globally | Real estate, corporate offices, healthcare globally |
| Nature | Voluntary EA methodology/framework | Voluntary performance-based building certification |
| Testing | Internal governance/compliance reviews | Mandatory on-site performance verification/testing |
| Penalties | No legal penalties, loss of governance | No legal penalties, loss of certification |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about TOGAF and WELL
TOGAF FAQ
WELL FAQ
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