The Comfort Map—A Possible Tool for Increasing Personal Comfort in Office Workplaces

Previous studies have shown that indoor environmental quality (IEQ) parameters may a considerable effect on office employees’ comfort, health and performance. Therefore, we initiated research program to help occupants identify IEQ they perceive as risk factors for their in an enhance comfort levels environment. Since assumed employees might different expectations related work area these differences could be measured, our objective was develop ‘comfort map’ based occupants’ individual preferences. Thus, the goal of map would tailor spaces expectations. The survey developed assess comfort-related opinions occupants, (visual acoustic air thermal comfort) chosen open-plan building. also assessed degree which given parameter considered factor by or caused negative sensation them. filled 216 occupants. answers were then analyzed with frequency table depicting relative frequency. measurements took place building (a Hungarian subsidiary’s belonging international company Budapest). had regarding perceived effects comfort. Almost two-thirds respondents (64.8%) dissatisfied adjustability noises sounds at workstation. Furthermore, half (50.1%) ventilation. Most (45.8%) health. There between areas space. Based results, office. contains information about characteristics each workstation carbon dioxide, visual scale. thermal, air, acoustic, lighting workstations, can select preferred workstations when desk-sharing system works. Although still its pilot phase, increase chances find best suited This improve overall level, turn productivity mental well physical