A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal
Simultaneous effects of irrelevant speech, temperature and ventilation rate on performance and satisfaction in open-plan offices
Authors: Varjo Johanna, Hongisto Valtteri, Haapakangas Annu, Maula Henna, Koskela Hannu, Hyönä Jukka
Publisher: Elsevier
Publication year: 2015
Journal: Journal of Environmental Psychology
Journal acronym: J ENVIRON PSYCHOL
Volume: 44
First page : 16
Last page: 33
Number of pages: 18
ISSN: 0272-4944
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvp.2015.08.001
Web address : http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvp.2015.08.001
The aim of this study was to investigate how irrelevant speech, temperature and ventilation rate together affect cognitive performance and environmental satisfaction in open-plan offices. In Condition A, neutral temperature (23.5 C), low intelligibility of speech (high absorption and low masking sound level) and high fresh air supply rate (30 l/s per person) were applied. This was contrasted to Condition B with high room temperature (29.5 C), highly intelligible speech (low absorption and high masking sound level) and a negligible fresh air supply rate (2 l/s per person). Sixty-five participants were tested. In Condition B, performance decrement was observed especially in working memory tasks. Based on subjective assessments,mental workload, cognitive fatigue and symptoms were higher and environmental satisfaction was lower in Condition B. It was concluded that special attention should be paid to the design of whole indoor environment in open-plan offices to increase subjective comfort and improve performance.