Abstract:
Energy and environmental concerns warrant reconsideration of
operable windows as a means of ventilating and cooling office
environments. To design for optimal window use and performance,
architects must understand human interaction with operable windows
and the factors that influence occupant participation in their thermal
environment.
This thesis examines workers' personal control of operable
windows in their office space through the lens of the following attributes:
proximity, orientation, and accessibility to operable windows, office floor
height, and the operational methods of windows. Three sites in the
Minneapolis metro area were examined through site visits, informalinterviews, collection of physical traces, and a questionnaire. Research
data reveal that proximity is the greatest determinant of window use.
Other attributes have varying degrees of influence on use of windows.
Surprisingly, workers valued operable windows significantly more for
fresh air than for cooling.