Parvathy

BE4050

Occupant satisfaction plays a crucial role in workplace, as employees spend significant amount of time exposed to indoor environment conditions. This study evaluates two multi-occupant office spaces in Ahmedabad, one side-lit and the other double-height, to assess access to daylight and views. Field measurements and occupant surveys revealed daylight levels of 51–342 lux and 164–182 lux, respectively. Despite ample daylight, frequent blind usage was observed due to excessive illuminance (over 2000 lux) and glare, particularly near windows perceived by the occupants. High window-to-wall ratios enhanced daylight but increased visual discomfort leads to high blind usage and artificial light dependence. Simulations based on insights from the onsite field study demonstrated that minor interventions such as low-permeability blinds, optimized blind heights, and workstation repositioning can significantly enhance daylight penetration and improve visual comfort. These findings underscore the value of post-occupancy evaluations and cost-effective design strategies to enhance comfort and energy efficiency.