Human-Window Interaction in open-plan offices

Human-Window Interaction in open-plan offices: Guiding occupants to improve window operation through window feedback systems

Yüksel, Serhan (TU Delft Architecture and the Built Environment; TU Delft Architectural Technology)

Luna-Navarro, Alessandra (mentor)
Boerstra, A.C. (graduation committee)

Delft University of Technology

Architecture, Urbanism and Building Sciences | Building Technology

2023-06-19

Occupants are often unaware of window opening strategies that can enhance their well-being and reduce energy consumption. Window feedback systems that indicate when to manually operate a window have become a strategy for enhancing the indoor climate, occupant’s satisfaction and energy efficiency. These systems are recognized for providing the comfort benefits of manual window controls while providing the efficiency benefits of completely automated windows (Bordass et al., 2007; Day et al., 2020). However, there is a lack of evidence to what extent window feedback systems are able to provide a successful cooperation between occupants and windows which enhances energy efficiency, satisfaction levels and their well-being.

This research investigated the influence that ambient light window feedback systems can have on the indoor climate and occupants’ satisfaction in open-plan workplaces. The research focused on determining the effectiveness of these systems and on establishing design guidelines for further developments. To do so, an experiment was carried out which assessed an existing and new situation of an open-plan workplace. The existing situation served as a benchmark for the new situation in which an ambient light window feedback system was implemented.

The methodology is divided into two parts and consists of literature research and research by experimentation. The literature research formed the initial part of the study and provided important considerations for the experiment. In addition, it formed guidelines for designing the window feedback system. The research by experimentation part provided objective and subjective data to determine the effectiveness of the implemented window feedback system. In addition, the data helped in determining design recommendations for the further development of the window feedback system and its algorithm. The outcome of the research shows that ambient light window feedback systems can be promising inside open-plan workplaces.

Window
Operation
Facade
Feedback
Signals
Interaction
Occupant
Human
Behaviour
Behavior
Efficiency
Adaptive
Natural ventilation
Occupant satisfaction
Personal control
Indoor air quality
Thermal comfort
Energy efficiency

http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:6fe5aecf-6b42-4a92-b9cf-bbc0955cca0c

Student theses

master thesis

© 2023 Serhan Yüksel