A tool-kit for lighting environment post-occupancy evaluation: case study in a LEED gold office

Abstract

This paper presents a post-occupancy study of the lighting environment in a green office. A multiple-tool methodology was developed and tested, which included occupant surveys, interviews, illuminance measurements, sky view analyses by a fisheye-lens camera, examinations of the lighting control scheme, and user behaviour observations. Occupants reported an overall satisfied rating of the lighting environment. The dissatisfaction sources identified were reflected glare from other buildings and lack of individual lighting control. Two design suggestions were generated to inform lighting environmental design. First, effective glare control systems like shadings and thick blinds should be considered in daylighting design in a compact urban environment; secondly, individual task lights should be adopted to increase occupants’ comfort by enabling them to adjust the workspace to their individual needs. In sum, the tool-kit is proved to be able to identify satisfaction levels and dissatisfaction sources.