In today’s fast-paced and technologically driven world, it’s easy to forget the fundamental importance of designing spaces that prioritise human well-being. This principle, known as human-centric design, aims to create environments that cater to the comfort, health, and productivity of their occupants. At the CIBSE Technical Symposium 2024, several presentations explored this approach, highlighting the need for greater occupant consideration in both residential and office environments. This blog discusses key insights from those discussions and explores how human-centric design principles can transform spaces.
Human-centric design emphasises creating environments that are not only functional but also promote occupant well-being, engagement, and comfort. This approach prioritises people’s needs over purely aesthetic or financial considerations, ensuring that spaces support physical and psychological health. Whether in homes or offices, human-centric design creates a balance between technology, environmental quality, and human comfort.
As highlighted by Stephanie Gauthier and Runa T. Hellwig at the symposium, one of the main gaps in current design practice is the integration of occupant behaviour into building design. Research indicates that occupant behaviour significantly impacts energy performance and indoor environmental quality. For example, two identical buildings may experience different energy consumption levels due to varying occupant interactions with the space, such as adjusting temperatures, opening windows, or using appliances. Their study underlined that incorporating more complex occupant behaviour models during the design phase can help close the gap between predicted and actual building performance.
One compelling case of human-centric design in action is the Bryn Bragl energy-positive social housing development in Bridgend, Wales. Developed under the Innovative Housing Programme, this project was designed to create affordable homes that not only meet the occupants’ needs but also contribute to sustainability goals.
The design principles of Bryn Bragl reflect a focus on occupant comfort with passive design strategies, high insulation standards, and renewable energy technologies. For instance, the homes are equipped with mechanical ventilation and heat recovery (MVHR) systems, ensuring a constant flow of fresh air and maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures without the need for traditional heating systems. The use of photovoltaic panels and battery storage further enhances the sustainability of the homes, allowing residents to live in spaces that are comfortable and energy-efficient. Notably, occupants have praised the design for maintaining comfortable temperatures, even during the coldest winter days.
In office environments, human-centric design often involves striking a balance between occupant comfort and operational efficiency. Ant Marsh’s research at the symposium explored whether office occupants need personal control over their indoor environments to be satisfied. The study, based on data from over 100 buildings, revealed that while personal control over temperature, lighting, and air quality can increase satisfaction, it is not always necessary. In many cases, occupants reported being satisfied with their indoor conditions despite having limited control.
This insight suggests that designers should focus on creating environments that inherently provide optimal conditions rather than relying solely on giving occupants control. Automating systems for ventilation, heating, and lighting can help ensure that spaces remain comfortable while minimising energy waste and complexity.
Technology plays a pivotal role in enhancing human-centric design. The Bryn Bragl housing project, for example, used smart technology to integrate renewable energy systems and ensure optimal environmental conditions. The Tesla Powerwall batteries installed in each home allow for energy storage and management, providing both economic and environmental benefits to the occupants. Additionally, mobile apps give residents remote control over their heating and ventilation systems, further enhancing their living experience through user-friendly technology.
In offices, the use of automated control systems can help maintain a balance between energy efficiency and occupant satisfaction. The data presented at the symposium suggests that while occupants may not always need direct control over environmental conditions, the systems in place must be capable of providing a consistently comfortable and healthy environment.
As we look to the future, it’s clear that human-centric design will continue to evolve, driven by advances in technology and a deeper understanding of human behaviour. Projects like Bryn Bragl demonstrate that it’s possible to create spaces that are not only sustainable but also enhance occupant well-being. By incorporating insights from occupant behaviour, designers can develop spaces that adapt to the needs of the people who use them, whether in homes, offices, or public spaces.
Human-centric design offers a path forward, ensuring that the spaces we create are more than just buildings—they are environments that foster health, happiness, and productivity.
At VEXO, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of design to create spaces that put people first. Check out our Somerset House Case Study or get in touch with the team to find out more.
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