User satisfaction and interaction with automated dynamic facades: A pilot study

• We assess the influence of automated facades on user satisfaction and interaction.
• Scenarios with varying control strategies and occupant influence options were tested.
• Results do not show a direct link between automated facade operation and discomfort.
• Manual override is essential for high-performance operation of dynamic facades.

Automatically-operated dynamic facades can play an important role in reducing building energy consumption while maintaining high levels of indoor environmental quality. Facade automation, however, has a controversial reputation due to concerns about increased risks for occupant distraction and discomfort. This paper explores and quantifies the influence of automated facade operation on user satisfaction and interaction by presenting the results of a pilot study. In the experiment with 26 participants, multiple scenarios with varying control strategies and occupant influence options were tested, with a focus on dynamic daylight aspects and visual performance. Analysis of subject responses and data collected during experimental sessions did not directly reveal a high risk for disturbance and discomfort. We found that less frequent but discrete transitions in facade configuration are significantly better appreciated than smooth transitions at a higher frequency. Our findings also emphasize the need for further development of effective facade control algorithms and demonstrate that the ability for manual override is a requisite for high-performance operation of dynamic facades.