How can you optimize structural design for occupant comfort and productivity?

1 Thermal comfort

One of the most important aspects of occupant comfort is thermal comfort, which refers to the satisfaction with the temperature and humidity of the indoor space. This depends on various factors, such as the building envelope, the heating and cooling system, the ventilation and air quality, and the occupant behavior and preferences. To optimize your structural design for thermal comfort, you should take into account the orientation and shape of the building for solar gain and heat loss, as well as insulation and thermal mass of materials for heat transfer and storage. Additionally, fenestration and shading devices will affect natural lighting and solar control. Finally, passive and active strategies like natural ventilation, thermal zoning, and energy recovery should be integrated for energy efficiency and comfort balance.

3 Ergonomic comfort

Ergonomic comfort is an important aspect of occupant satisfaction, which depends on various factors such as the dimensions and proportions of the space, the furniture and equipment, the accessibility and adaptability, and the occupant posture and movement. To optimize your structural design for ergonomic comfort, you should ensure compliance with codes and standards, apply anthropometric and biomechanical data, involve users and stakeholders, and evaluate performance and outcomes. This will provide minimum requirements, reference values, feedback, evidence, and improvement for ergonomic design.

4 Aesthetic comfort

Aesthetic comfort is an important factor of occupant comfort, which refers to the satisfaction with the visual and emotional appeal of the indoor space. To achieve this, one must take into account various factors such as color, texture, shape, form, lighting, mood, and occupant perception. Optimizing structural design for aesthetic comfort requires consideration of harmony and contrast of elements to create balance and interest in the space; expression and symbolism of structures to evoke meaning and identity; innovation and creativity of the design to promote novelty and uniqueness; and integration of art and culture to bring richness and diversity.

5 Productivity benefits

Optimizing your structural design for occupant comfort can bring significant benefits for occupant productivity, which covers the efficiency and effectiveness of the work and activities performed in the indoor space. Factors such as occupant health and well-being, satisfaction and motivation, communication and collaboration, and performance and outcomes all play a role in productivity benefits. Such benefits include reduced absenteeism and turnover, which saves costs and resources; increased concentration and creativity, which improves quality and innovation; enhanced teamwork and cooperation, which fosters culture and learning; as well as improved customer satisfaction and loyalty, which leads to revenue growth.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?