Creating buildings as dynamic as the people who occupy them, though a lofty goal, is attainable.

A three-year occupancy study by UO Architecture Professor Ihab Elzeyadi for Saint-Gobain and CertainTeed North America shows that using a systems-based approach can have a stronger impact on a building’s ability to optimize employee comfort.

The study measures the effects of built environment factors on occupant comfort, well-being, satisfaction, and overall productivity. It is the first of its kind based on size and scale, considering such factors as visual and thermal comfort, acoustics, and indoor air quality. The findings point to the need to move away from the traditional model that relies on one solution to achieve overall comfort and satisfaction. 

In addition to teaching, Elzeyadi directs the High Performance Environments Lab (HiPE) in the School of Architecture & Environment at the University of Oregon. The HiPE lab develops tools and technologies for the design and assessment of high-performance environments and the green building industry. 

Learn more about the study and download the executive summary.