Contextual and behavioural factors influencing human-building interaction in university offices: a cross-cultural comparison

Abstract

This paper presents the outcomes of a survey questionnaire deployed in the buildings of the Faculty of Economics (FE) and Faculty of Arts (FA) of the University of Ljubljana (UL), Slovenia, in a cross-cultural comparison of previous results gathered in three analogous university buildings in Italy. Objective of this study, which was in the Slovenian cases supplemented by qualitative (ethnographic) research approaches, is to provide comparative insights into four key research objectives: (1) cultural, contextual and socio-demographic factors regarding interaction with shared environmental controls (such as adjustable thermostats, operable windows, blinds and shades, and artificial lighting), (2) group dynamics such as perceived social norms, attitudes, and intention to share controls, (3) occupant’s self-assessed ease of use and knowledge of how to operate control systems, and (4) occupant’s perceived comfort, satisfaction, and productivity. First cross-country comparison analysis implies that practices and habits on how occupants interact within public buildings present distinct patterns within EU countries. More broadly, this study attempts to confirm the validity of the mixed methods research, combining quantitative and qualitative inquiry, and the survey instrument, as a way to validate the robustness of outcomes for future studies. In addition, the paper aims at illustrating why and how insights from different fields of social science, including psychology, sociology and anthropology, can foster innovation in the area of adoption and acceptance of technologies in shared spaces. The final objective of the study is enhancing attractiveness and effectiveness of ICT solutions for increasing user awareness and information provisions targeting energy savings, office workers’ productivity and reduced operational energy costs, in the context of the EU H2020 MOBISTYLE project.