Managing problem indoor environments by embracing subjective data: A case study for federal facilities

Abstract

AbstractThis article describes a new approach to embrace the multifaceted nature of “sick buildings” by analyzing industrial hygienist measurements, which are objective, along with occupant perception measurements, which are subjective, using a neural network–based model. Data, both objective and subjective, for this research were provided by the General Services Administration (GSA) on a wide variety of federal office buildings. Current literature on the subject suggests that the cause of poor indoor environments involves many variables interacting in an unlimited number of combinations. A blended definition of a narrowly defined “sick building” and a framework for a decision‐making support system is presented to help the building engineer better understand the complex nature of the indoor environment. The research and data analyses can be tailored to and applicable to any federal agency. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.