A window of one's own: a public office post-occupancy evaluation. Issue 4 (19th May 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Meir, Isaac A.; Schwartz, Moshe; Davara, Yosefa; Garb, Yaakov
• Is Part Of: Building research and information. Volume 47:Issue 4(2019)
• Page Start: 437
• Page End: 452
• Publication Date: 2019-05-19
• Subjects: architectural design -- indoor environment quality -- personal control -- post-occupancy evaluation -- sick building syndrome -- ventilation -- windows -- workplace satisfaction; Building -- Periodicals; Building -- Research -- Periodicals; 690.015
• DOI: 10.1080/09613218.2018.1434366
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0961-3218

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The prevalence of mechanical climatization in office buildings, alongside the dictate to conserve energy, has misguidedly promoted the construction of buildings with non-operable windows. Research shows that such buildings are detrimental to their occupants' wellbeing and productivity, sometimes causing them to feel overcooled or overheated. This post-occupancy evaluation illustrates such problems through the case study of a courthouse building in a hot arid environment. A strong association is shown between occupant satisfaction, building ventilation and sense of wellbeing at work. A positive correlation was found between satisfaction with personal control, and overall satisfaction survey results show that workers express a willingness to compromise future salary rises in order to receive operable windows. Key lessons for architects are discussed.