Case study of window operating behavior patterns in an open-plan office in the summer

Abstract

While previous studies have focused on window operation in residential buildings and small-scale offices, typical window operation behavior in an open-plan office is studied here. Unlike single offices, open-plan offices accommodate more people at once, which leads to more complex window operating behavior. An open-plan office located in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province was studied. Questionnaires and field measurements were adopted to determine factors influencing window operating behavior. Differences between subjective and objective feedback were detected in this study. Three typical window operating patterns were classified under the influence of outdoor temperature. The distribution of the “windows open state” with changes in outdoor temperature was polynomial. Through coupling analysis of environmental and non-environmental factors, it was found that window operating behavior in the open-plan office was influenced by the outdoor temperature, the daily work schedule of occupants, and the state of air conditioners.