Restorative perceptions and contribution degree of different types of spaces and design characteristics in office setting

Abstract

Restorative office environments can reduce fatigue and improve work efficiency. Previous research has extensively explored stress sources, environmental satisfaction, and well-being in office environments. However, there is a lack of existing research on the weight of environment restorative design within the office. This study fills the gap in analysing the design weight of restorative characteristics in different spaces in office indoor environments. By conducting interviews and reviewing the literature, data on environmental factors satisfaction and spatial restorative perception were collected from six open-plan office buildings. Spatial design factors were categorised and weighted by principle component analysis and correlation, leading to establishing the equations that combine weight and satisfaction factors. The results show that occupants prefer spaces away from work-related occasions for restoration, and enhancing personal control within spaces can effectively improve restorative perceptions. The design of work and leisure spaces should focus on enhancing “perception” and “control” characteristics of environments, whereas restroom spaces should obtain “decoration,” “ambience” and “indoor air quality” supports. Nature contributes to restoration in the work space, but its influence is lower in the leisure spaces. The ceiling, wall, and ground material influence the restoration only in leisure space. The study provides the restorative contribution degree with equations in three types of spaces in office buildings and summarises the restorative environment characteristics and improvement methods.