Reconciling human and automated intelligence in the provision of occupant comfort

Abstract

This article explores the relationship between increasing demands for personal control by building occupants and the changing role and expectations of the ‘intelligent’ building. It specifically examines the relationship between human and automated intelligence and how these are manifest in green buildings. Given that comfort expectations and technological prowess are culturally bound, the article contrasts the ways that ‘intelligence’ is evidenced in North American and Japanese green building assessment methods and green building practice. Conclusions reinforce the need to invest greater effort in understanding how buildings actually function and, more specifically, redefine design assumptions regarding the way that occupants engage with buildings and control strategies.