The objective of this study is to increase understanding of personal control in office workplaces by: 1) analysing the adaptive opportunities available to the occupants, how they perceive these adaptive opportunities, as well as their desire to have these opportunities. Statistical analyses were conducted to find out the impact of available control on perceived control, and interrelations between perceived availability and desired control; 2) mapping of how often these controls were used (exercised control); 3) analysing the reasons for not exercising available adaptive opportunities; 4) analysing the effect of office types and seasons on perceived control; and 5) determining the impact of perceived control on thermal comfort perception and air quality. For this, data from longitudinal surveys which have been conducted during four seasons in three office buildings in the Mediterranean climate of Amman, Jordan were analysed. Operable windows and adjustable thermostats are the most desired adaptive opportunities. The most stated reason for not exercising available adaptive opportunities was ‘No need to change’. The study found significant correlations between office types and perceived control. On the other hand, no significant correlation was found between seasons and perceived control. Perceived control correlates positively with occupants’ thermal comfort perception.
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