Human-Window Interaction in open-plan offices

Guiding occupants to improve window operation through window feedback systems

Master thesis (2023)

Authors

S. Yüksel Architecture and the Built Environment

Contributors

Alessandra Luna-Navarro Architectural Technology - Architecture and the Built Environment (supervisor 1)
A.C. Boerstra Environmental & Climate Design - Architecture and the Built Environment (supervisor 2)
Faculty
Architecture and the Built Environment
Copyright: © 2023 Serhan Yüksel
Efficiency Adaptive Feedback Indoor air quality Thermal comfort Interaction Energy efficiency Facade Behavior Natural ventilation Signals Operation Behaviour Window Occupant Human Occupant satisfaction Personal control
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Published Date

19-06-2023

Language

English

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Faculty

Architecture and the Built Environment

Abstract

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.