The effect of occupancy on perceived control, neutral temperature, and behavioral patterns.

Agent-based modeling (ABM) allows implementing negotiated behaviors between individual agents. Little is known on how individually preferred behavioral patterns adapt within office spaces used by multiple people. Even less is known about the effect of such negotiated behaviors on the occupants’ satisfaction in terms of preferred indoor thermal conditions and the level of perceived control. In order to gain insights into these processes, an experimental study in a field laboratory was conducted. The 36 subjects worked in the facility for three days: one day in a single person office, one in an office for two people, and one in an office for four people. They were allowed to tilt windows, close blinds, use a ceiling fan, or adjust their clothing levels. The data was analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively. The results suggest that perceived control is negatively affected by the number of people, neutral temperatures are negatively affected by a lack of perceived control, actions on windows are increasing and actions on blinds and fans are decreasing. Based on the results, suggestions for advancements of ABM are given. However, further studies – especially field studies – are necessary before these results can be applied to models applicable for a broader usage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]