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INTERV IE W ANAL Y SIS

From the 3 interviews, an overall theme of care for occupant health is the driving force behind their view-
points towards Sick Building Syndrome (SBS). The impact of SBS on overall thermal comfort and running
costs are also of pressing concern, it has been found through the interviews that gaining control of the ther-
mal comfort of a building, also ensures occupant health and running costs are catered for effectively.

Although not seen as a singular priority, the notion of sustainability was seen as a flow on affect from adapt-
ing high performing building systems and intelligent passive design. This is combated through a reduction in
reliance on thermal conditioning services through adopting passive design principles, in turn, reducing CO2
emissions from those services.

Feelings of apprehension towards current code requirements were echoed by all interviewees, from a profes-
sional standpoint the feeling of taking control rather than asking for change was eminent. From an occupant
perspective, a feeling of betrayal and disgust was ever present, indicating a sense of hopelessness and vulner-
ability in not knowing which companies or products to trust.

When this research is compared and contrasted to the key themes of the risks of SBS, we find the need for
consumer transparency and tighter code regulations in regards to air leakage and building performance.
There also needs to be a greater push to enforce higher standards at an affordable scale to accommodate to
the low-mid socio economic background. To push change, more design professionals need to exceed code
minimum and provide greater care for habitability post occupancy.

C OMP ARA TI V E SICK BUILDING
S Y NDROME A T TIT UDE F OC US

JA MES

D A VID

Brendan Wilson
VIVIENNE