Intelligent Facades and Occupant Control

This paper through the discussion of recently completed doctoral research, addresses the influence of occupant control in achieving occupant satisfaction in buildings with intelligent facades. The focus of the study is the most common form of intelligent facade which the research has termed automated glazed facades. These are defined by this research as highly glazed facades capable of independent physical reaction to either external or internal conditions or presets. The findings of a series of occupant satisfaction surveys and interviews in automated glazed facade buildings in the UK, Germany, Switzerland, France and the USA are discussed.
Occupant control is found to be the dominant issue affecting occupant satisfaction in buildings with intelligent facades. The importance of occupant control is shown to be rooted in the occupants ability to achieve their desired conditions. The main elements of occupant concern are identified and the potential of the automated provision of occupant requirements is discussed in the light of the findings.