Post-Occupancy Evaluation of the Forrestal Building. January 1993-December 1994.
Post-Occupancy Evaluation of the Forrestal Building.
January 1993-December 1994.
(3565 K)
Sanders, P. A.; Collins, B. L.
NISTIR 5591; 67 p. March 1995.
Sponsor:
Department of Energy, Washington, DC
Available from:
National Technical Information Service
Keywords:
building technology; contrast; energy efficiency;
environmental assessment; federal relighting;
illuminance; lighting; luminance; post-occupancy
evaluation; temperature; VDTs; occupant response
Abstract:
A post-occupancy evaluation was performed on the
Department of Energy Headquarters Building (the
Forrestal Building) in Washington, DC. The lighting in
the building was retrofitted with new, more
energy-efficient, components to meet energy target
guidelines. Occupant responses to the indoor
environmental conditions, particularly the lighting,
were studied to determine the impact of the relighting
on the building inhabitants. In addition, physical
measures of the lighting and other environmental
conditions before and after the relighting were
compared. The post-occupancy evaluation employed a
questionnaire about the environmental conditions and
physical measures of the space (lighting, space, noise,
temperature, etc.) A total of 244/220 people
participated (before and after the relighting,
respectively). Physical measures were taken at 100 work
stations before the relighting and 75 after. Analysis
of the physical measurement data indicated generally
higher lighting levels with more even distribution of
luminances in the offices. Occupant response to the
changes in the lighting was generally quite positive.
The relighting was perceived to have improved the
appearance of the building substantially, as well as the
lighting within individual workstations. Finally,
guidance is given for doing post-occupancy evaluations
as part of other relighting initiatives.
Building and Fire Research Laboratory
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Gaithersburg, MD 20899