Human factors in design of sustainable buildings

Ergonomic approach is aimed at optimizing human interactions with systems, in order to make human activities more efficient, safe, comfortable and satisfying. Built environment influences people’s everyday life because all human activities are executed in a built space. In this framework, architectural design can be enhanced by the consideration of human factors perspective, because it gives the cultural and practical references to envisage how technical solutions can fit the environmental needs derived from people’s life and work activities they perform. Since the main objectives of sustainable design are to reduce, or completely avoid, depletion of critical natural resources and raw materials; prevent environmental degradation caused by facilities and infrastructure throughout their life cycle; create built environments that are livable, comfortable, safe, and productive, a broader consideration of the role of human factor has to be taken into account to enhance design process of sustainable buildings. Several studies evidence that to reach sustainable goals of buildings, particularly referred to energy and resources use and optimization, unexpected disadvantages for final users may occur. The paper shows recurring human side effects of building solutions and elements mainly adopted to address green strategy and technologies, in order to support building design to create working and living spaces actually fitting, in the same time, sustainable performance of buildings and needs of inhabitants.