ABSTRACT
Human comfort is a variable, personal state of mind related to the human senses, up to 20% of occupants will at times be unhappy with their environment. People like to be able to control their environment. Even buildings with computer-controlled environmental management systems, designed to the highest standards of energy efficiency, with super-insulation, airtightness, heat-recovery systems and automated solar control incorporated, need to offer user control. Green is the easiest colour for humans to view, due to its position in the spectrum and the anatomy of the human eye. Lack of daylight in our buildings disturbs human circadian rhythms and is linked with the medical condition Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). SAD results in fatigue, loss of concentration and disturbance to mental health. There is a link between active urban living and quality of human health. Office workers living close to their homes are a market for local retail, fresh-food outlets and recreation.
