Behavioral Responses to Daylit Space: A Pilot Study

Abstract

In this study we explored behavioral responses within a daylit space. The study is qualitative in nature and relies on the research techniques of visual documentation, observation, behavioral mapping, and physical measurement. A south-oriented lounge with 69 seats was observed for a total of nine hours during three sunny days. To aid in more in-depth research on the relationship between human behavior and daylighting, this pilot study was designed to determine patterns of space occupancy in relation to several daylighting scenarios and a number of seating arrangements. Key findings revealed that subjects preferred seats in sunlight when they were sitting in enclosed spaces. Away from the sunny areas, they preferred seats in relatively more open spaces. In addition, subjects favored seats that directly faced the incoming sunlight rather than seats that facing away from it.