Semi-automated vs manually controlled dynamic facades: assessment through a field study on multi-domain occupant satisfaction

Luna-Navarro, Alessandra; Lori, Guido; Callewaert, Dieter; Overend, M.

doi:10.1016/j.enbuild.2023.112912

Semi-automated vs manually controlled dynamic facades

Title

Semi-automated vs manually controlled dynamic facades: assessment through a field study on multi-domain occupant satisfaction

Author

Luna-Navarro, Alessandra (TU Delft Architectural Technology; University of Cambridge)
Lori, Guido (Permasteelisa Group)
Callewaert, Dieter (Permasteelisa Group)
Overend, M. (TU Delft Architectural Technology)

Date

2023

Abstract

Occupant satisfaction and acceptance with automated control strategies for dynamic façades is currently a barrier to the upscale of these systems. Building owners, designers and occupants are often unconvinced that an automated control strategy for dynamic façades could really be beneficial for building energy efficiency and occupant satisfaction. Previous work has indicated that an integrated multi-domain approach is required for capturing the influence of façades on occupants. The aim of this paper is to provide new knowledge on whether dynamic automated facades with user override (semi-automated) can outperform manually operated facades in terms of occupant multi-domain satisfaction. Occupant interaction, discomfort, satisfaction and indoor environmental quality were monitored in two different scenarios: one where the façade blinds were automatically controlled, aiming at maximising daylight and outdoor view access whilst mitigating glare, and one in which the façade blinds were manually controlled by the occupants. Results showed that when the façade was controlled by a semi-automated strategy, occupant satisfaction was higher (especially in the thermal environment), despite occupants reported a higher number of discomfort events due to lack of daylight and access to outdoor view. However, to increase occupant acceptance, a better prediction of occupant glare to prevent visual discomfort and maximise daylight and view is necessary.

Subject

automated facade
dynamic facade
occupant interaction
occupant satisfaction

To reference this document use:

http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:44237e44-d312-49fe-9582-a67daf609b10

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enbuild.2023.112912

ISSN

0378-7788

Source

Energy and Buildings, 286

Part of collection

Institutional Repository