Over the last few decades, mechanical services have been designed to supply specific air temperatures which have been set as acceptable to all occupants. These are based on a 1970s study, based on clothing and cultural behaviours of that time, and have not evolved over recent times. These parameters determine the temperature, even if a specific group of occupants find it overall outside of their comfort zone.
Through the briefing process of all projects, designers and clients will hear very differing views on what occupants of a space consider a comfortable temperature. Although several studies provide a range of temperatures to work around, they will not be able to respond fully to each day’s requirements throughout the year and for all occupants.
There are a few approaches which can be adopted and a few activities that can be integrated into a project’s design process and operation to support comfort and wellbeing.
During the design process, the following topics can be relevant and considered to establish what is comfortable for the occupants and how best to provide these conditions depending on the nature, size, conditions, budgets and complexity of each interior.
- Openable windows;
- Mechanical air conditioning;
- Central vs Local System;
- Hot and Cold spots near external glazing;
- Hot and cold spots under mechanical vents;
- Seating/Working positions on plans and day-to-day information;
- Clothing and activities in space;
- Material finishes;
- Smart and wearable technology;
- Local adaptive temperatures;
- Climatic preferences.
If you are looking for help designing an office space for wellbeing and productivity, find out more about our design services here.
