Windows: a study of residents’ perceptions and uses in Sweden

Abstract

What are inhabitants' perceptions and uses of windows in multi-dwelling buildings? This paper reports on a field study that explores daylight, the visual connection to the outside and the role of windows in the home during the day and night. Qualitative interviews were held with 20 participants living in multi-dwelling buildings. The thematic analysis identified two main components as characteristic of residents' experiences with their windows. The first, 'perceived dwelling comfort', consists of different types of comfort qualities, for example, keeping the body sufficiently warm or cool, blocking exterior noise, enabling visual tasks, perceiving the room to be adequately daylit, visually pleasant and spacious, obtaining visual privacy, and having an outside view to provide information and engagement. The second, 'preferred exposure to external elements' (e.g. air, sound, light, people outside) expresses a desire for personal control and reflects variability over time (momentary, daily, seasonal, ageing) and between individuals or groups. Windows represent an enjoyment of the home and fulfil much more than physical needs. They must allow sufficient personal control over fresh and cool air, sound, sunlight, streetlighting and privacy.

Assessment of the Renovation Need, Material Authenticity, and the Cultural and Environmental Value of Historic Apartment Building Neighbourhoods

“…Journal of Sustainable Architecture and Civil Engineering 2024/2/35 60 experiences of comfort, for example, brightness, indoor appeal, improved mood, spaciousness and visual privacy, to mediate information about outdoor conditions and the interaction between residents and people outside-allowing observation, verbal communication and the use of intentional or unintentional visual cues (Gerhardsson et al, 2021). The weighted average thermal transmittance of existing windows with two glass panes is quite high (U≈2.2 W/(m²•K)) containing high potential for decreasing thermal transmittance while it is more than three times lower for modern triple glazing (U≈0.6 W/(m²•K)).…”

A systematic review of building energy sufficiency towards energy and climate targets

“…Window views are physically and psychologically beneficial to building occupants and can effectively reduce discomfort, according to a field study in the Netherlands [76]. Further research revealed that openable windows provide sufficient indoor space and allow exposure to external elements (e.g., air, sound, light, people outside), and allow the expression of personal control [77].…”

Lighting conditions in home office and occupant’s perception: An international study

“…The primary motivation for adding participant photography to the research method was the expectation of obtaining more information. Findings in recent literature show that adding participant-produced photographs or videos to the research studies has multiple benefits in knowledge production, from both the researcher and participant perspectives [37][38][39]. The photos may considerably enrich the data by showing details and features of the environment that otherwise have to be omitted as the length of the survey has to be restricted to avoid bothering participants too much, and to avoid participation rejection.…”