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Source section: Section 4 - Green Building Core Concepts and Application Strategies PDF page: 87 Guide page: 80 OCR quality: high (317 words)
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d B Hue ae wae = <o8 hee | oMBe AAP j Se ~= Figure 4.5. Daylit Classroom. photo credit: Josh Partee 2009
Thermal comfort includes more than just temperature; it also includes humidity and air movement.
Anarea may be the right temperature, but if the air is stagnant or if air ducts blow directly on work stations,
people will feel uncomfortable. An operable window may make office workers more comfortable than a
sealed environment maintained at ideal temperatures simply because it gives them some control
over their environment.
Lighting levels and views to the outdoors are other important aspects of the indoor experience. Providing
enough lighting for particular tasks is critical to protect occupants’ eyesight over time. Studies by the
Heschong Mahone Group have demonstrated that providing daylighting in classrooms can improve student
scores by 7% to 18%.” They also found improvements in office workers’ productivity. In addition to admitting ra daylight, windows that let people focus their eyes across a longer distance and see the outdoors may play
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arole in occupants’ comfort. Of course, too much light can interfere with some tasks, and direct sunlight
a or glare can create discomfort as well. Good lighting design considers the tasks to be done ina space, the & orientation of the building, the layout of the room, the type of glass and configuration of the windows, even e the type of furnishings and colors of surfaces. Ww s Appropriately sized and located windows can dramatically increase the amount of daylight introduced A into a space; clerestory windows, light shelves, and reflective paint and materials bounce and diffuse the a natural light. In office buildings, locating private offices toward the building core and siting cubicles at the zZ perimeter brings daylight into a large area. Low cubicle partitions allow daylight to travel to the core spaces .s) while permitting views of the outdoors. Adjustable window shades give occupants control over excessive & brightness and glare. oO a i] 27 Heshong Mahone Group, Windows and Offices: A Study of Office Worker Performance and the Indoor Environment
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