From energy-efficient buildings to energy-efficient users and back: ergonomic issues in intelligent buildings design

Abstract

Studies on operating smart buildings show unexpected gaps between the actual energy consumption rates and the ones calculated according to building models. This evidence is concerned with how occupants interact with building and appears to be a consequence of poor consideration of both users’ needs by design team and users’ behaviour by modelling tools. This article discusses the benefits that could be brought at design and simulation stages by the introduction of ergonomic principles and techniques in the design team. Furthermore, a different approach for a viable consideration of human factors in building modelling is presented, under the view that a better consideration of human variables will support the delivery of really intelligent buildings.

Keywords:

• occupants behaviour
• design validation
• sustainability
• usability
• building simulation