Occupants of green buildings generally show a higher level of satisfaction with their built environment than do occupants of standard buildings, but their buildings fall short in some key areas, according to a recent post-occupancy evaluation report by HOK.

Common complaints had to do with acoustics (too noisy, not enough privacy), thermal comfort (limited temperature control), and daylighting (too much glare and light spill).

"As designers, we all think we have daylighting design down, but it's clearly something that we have to continue to focus on, looking for areas of glare and light spills," said HOK's Sandra Mendler, who presented the findings of the report, which looked at seven HOK-designed green buildings.

Other issues: operational problems with occupancy sensors and difficulty with non-chemical maintenance of native landscapes. "These landscapes often become science projects unto themselves," said Mendler.

Source: BD&C 's eShow Daily from the 2006 AIA National Convention, June 9, 2006.