AHFE Open AccessAdvances in Human Factors and Sustainable Infrastructure
Editors: Jerzy Charytonowicz
Topics: Safety Management and Human Factors
Publication Date: 2018
ISBN: 978-1-4951-2092-3
DOI: 10.54941/ahfe100089
Articles
The Role of Ergonomics in Architectonic and Marketing Operations
The 20th century, along with the development of mass culture, brought a rapid increase of marketing communication significance. At first, this branch of art had an informational function associated with advertising operations. Nowadays, an increase of marketing specialists’ interest in influencing a human being by the space they stay in may be observed. Ergonomics plays an important role in such operations. The aim of this article is to show the association between ergonomics, marketing communication and architecture. Examples of using ergonomics in designing buildings with chosen utilitarian functions will be presented. This issue will be discussed, among others, on examples of marketing terms functioning in architectonic design, such as: customer’s path shaping, speed of moving, sight leading, and influencing the comfort of using the space.
Rafał Janowicz
Open Access
Article
Conference Proceedings
Polish Office Work Environment at Examples of Buildings Recently Completed in Cracow
The article presents the analysis of contemporary office work environment in Cracow. The aim is to examine architectural and ergonomic standards of office buildings that are recently being completed. Cracow is the second biggest city in Poland. Its rentable office stock estimated at level of 519 400 sqm makes it the biggest regional office market (except Warsaw). Referring to Knight Frank's recent data on office area at the construction stage (about 114 500 sqm), and vacancy rate (only 3,1%), it is also called to be the most mature and promising one. Moreover, it is expected to grow constantly with its IT sector prospering well and being now the biggest BPO center in Poland. Due to this permanent, impressive stock increase, Cracow could certainly be a leading example of the modern office architecture (exterior and interior), designed and raised nowadays in Poland. Thereat it is a valuable case to analyze. To carry through the researches there was a practical method of visitation undertaken. Several office buildings has been chosen and some of the most significant tenants selected to visit their office, so that both the edifice and interior can be rated. The purpose is to collect set of particular information that can be later compared and analyzed. Therefore there is a questionnaire prepared to be filled each time. It covers many different aspects. All the topics to explore were assigned to one of the main two categories: architecture and structural aspects with all the technical equipment, or interior arrangement. The building part of questionnaire contains of such information as: category, building location, accessibility, area and building space, materials and construction solutions, technical equipment, additional facilities, ecological solutions. Researches of interiors to examine are: interior arrangement, design, interior microclimate (insulation, ventilation, heating), comfort and ergonomics of individual office work stand (size, density, privacy), social and recreation facilities. The aim of the research is to define pattern of office work environment in Cracow. Data collected, analyzed and supplemented with publications on the subject are to be compared with the European standard.
Anna Taczalska
Open Access
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Conference Proceedings
Human Factors and Ergonomics in Architectural Designing of Contemporary Stadiums and other Facilities for the Mass Audience
The paper summarizes many years of the author’s practical experience in design and construction of large spectator stands, including the largest functioning in Poland tribunes of Silesia Stadium. Specifically, it comprises a collection of the author’s own studies and investigations that accompanied the design and investment process of the multi-stage redevelopment of this object (Pelczarski, Z. 2009). The phenomenon of rapid development of modern stadiums is a result of gradual development of their architectural form, that has been evolving for one hundred years. They are the contemporary counterparts of great ancient structures such used nearly two thousand years ago for public spectacles addressed to mass audiences. The undertaken research leads to a general conclusion that the size and shape of the field of game, is established solely as a derivative of the game rules, with no regard to the factors conditioning visual comfort of the gathered crowds. In author's opinion the interior of future stadiums should be first of all shaped by proper relationship between the spectator zones and the arena. Visibility standards, must be adjusted to perception and anatomical features of human eye , consequently causing that shape and size of the arena will be the outcome of these standards.
Zdzislaw Pelczarski
Open Access
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Conference Proceedings
Architect-Researcher as a Model Combination of Research and Design Practice on Examples
In response to the architectural market and the need for further development of the traditional approach to design, propose a model of architect - researcher. Created definition of architect - researcher. Architect - designer - researcher or researcher, the model designer, in which the person or under his direction engaged in a necessary pre- design research (qualitative observation) objects with similar features. On this basis, draw conclusions and formulate guidelines for design. After completing the object continues to evaluate and observations in order to verify design decisions and to draw conclusions for new projects. This model extends the designer's interest in the use phase of the designed work. This complements the traditional approach to the design of the use of research. Architect - researcher is equipped with two proprietary methodologies proceedings. The first concerns the pre-project studies " in 8 steps ", which help in gaining knowledge of programming and design. The second - the use of qualitative research designed object " in 7 steps ", the verification of design decisions and the source of knowledge to new projects. The methods illustrated in the diagrams , and tested in a few years' design practice. For examples of projects or the author demonstrated the benefits of applying the methods in practice. It also showed the need for a research approach to architectural design. The paper is based on the knowledge gained through a variety of tests: performed on objects, interviews, surveys, list of mistakes made by investors. The main group consisted of qualitative research expertise and observation of existing buildings (more than 40 buildings with different functions). Complementary role of several evaluations of objects of various functions performed by the students of architecture in the design classes. Performed qualitative assessments of projects and the implementation of the author with a similar function as full pre-design (design and implementation). Important source of information were interviews with the managers of buildings and real estate, made with selected people in Poland and abroad. On the basis of research identifies the most important conclusions for the design. In the design of the traditional common purpose personal designer - creator is the most important, while in the design as determined by the author's research and investment objectives of the investor and user needs are paramount. The built environment and its users are an important source of knowledge for the design and field testing, and completed buildings are a permanent record of success and design errors. By using different research methods and tools can be gained knowledge of the built environment and its users. Capitalizing knowledge through research object allows you to avoid past mistakes and the use of proven solutions. Qualitative research in use are proven methods allowing to determine the actual state and condition of the object - there is nothing to hide. Using the built environment research increases the chance of achieving the investment objectives, meet the expectations of the users, for high- quality facility, the proper functioning of the building now and in the future.
Klaudiusz Fross
Open Access
Article
Conference Proceedings
Eco-ergonomics and Floating Buildings Design. The Blue Strategy of Wroclaw
Due to climate change, the floating buildings and estates may become one of the most important environments to live and work in the next few decades. Amphibian homes that are based on the ground and that float only when flood waters rise are especially required in Poland, where there are no large areas of inland waters, but where much of the urban development is located within the flood plains. Security considerations and environmental responsibility in this regard bring a new dimension to the traditionally understood ergonomics. They affect both the internal layout of the buildings, their construction and installation, as well as the way the surrounding area is used. The setting of standards for floating buildings and the rules of the floodplain management are the main objectives in the Blue Strategy of Wroclaw (BSW). The BSW, which is created at the University of Technology in Wroclaw, is the first attempt to find a comprehensive solution to these issues across the city’s riverside. Pilot projects are prepared by students and they focus on the modular floating buildings, intended for public use, such as sports, leisure, cultural activities and co-working. This evolution of the working space seems to be significant for the information society.
Alina Drapella-Hermansdorfer
Open Access
Article
Conference Proceedings
Worker Fatigue. An Overview of Subjective and Objective Methods of Measurement
Fatigue, as a psychophysiological state, is a normal human condition experienced as a result of mental or physical activity that consumes one's biological resources. In order to relieve its symptoms and to restore human's ability to continue work, a return to a fresh, relaxed state is required. It is usually obtained by an adequate amount of rest and/or sleep, but under the presence of some disadvantageous factors, such as too hot or too cold microclimate, high levels of noise at a workplace, work overload, psychological stress, lack of motivation, and others, e.g., family or health-related problems, this needed amount of rest simply may not fit into a normal 24-hour cycle of activity, resulting in the fatigue built-up. A fatigued worker becomes prone to performance deterioration, loss of concentration, misjudgment of his/her environmental safety, hazardous behaviors, anxiety and sleepiness. Therefore, worker's fatigue management is essential for improving productivity and quality of work, as well as for building worker's satisfaction, motivation and overall wellbeing. To supervise fatigue, appropriate tools for its measurement are required. This paper presents an overview of existing methods of fatigue measurement, including psychological (self-reports and questionnaires), physiological (i.e., changes in various body functions), and performance related (e.g., reaction time, sensory abilities) ones.
Marcin Kuliński, Joanna Koszela-Kulińska, Katarzyna Jach
Open Access
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Conference Proceedings
The Influence of the Brain Lateralization on Preferences Related to the Simple Digital Signage Message
This paper presents research concerned with how people perceive and subjectively assess various digital signage messages consisting of a simple image and one word text. Three independent factors were manipulated including: the background color (white and black), the text font size (36 and 72 points), and, finally, the image location (to the left and right hand side of the text). The examination involved 70 participants – 40 women and 30 men. The pairwise comparisons based on Analytic Hierarchy Process developed by Saaty were employed to produce the subjects’ preferences. The obtained results indicated considerable differences in relative weights towards examined factors. However, the consistency indices occurred to be significant and suggested that probably participants had difficulties in specifying coherent likings.
Jerzy Grobelny, Rafał Michalski, Kalina Maria Świątek-Romek, Monika Marciniak
Open Access
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Conference Proceedings
The Subjective Analysis of the Main Workload Dimensions in the Company from the Transportation Industry
This research is focused on determining the relative importances of diverse work dimensions and their attributes in a large company producing transportation vehicles. Fifty four employees from three different departments took part in this examination. They were all males with significant work experience in the current post and overall in the company. The obtained results were investigated both for all of the examined workers as well as individually for a number of various professions. The whole study was conducted within the Subjective Overall Workload Assessment (SOWA) framework and included the analysis of the manual material handling, body posture and movements, work environment, and mental requirements. The applied method allowed for identifying crucial areas in which immediate ergonomic interventions are necessary. Moreover, it was also possible to specify the hierarchy and order of the issues of ergonomic nature that should be addressed in the longer term.
Rafał Michalski, Katarzyna Jach
Open Access
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Conference Proceedings
The Subjective Overall Workload Assessment (SOWA) Method as a Tool for Effectiveness Evaluation of Ergonomic Training in a Food Processing Industry
The Subjective Overall Workload Assessment (SOWA) is a tool for overall evaluation of workload. It takes into account the work environment, both static and dynamic workload as well as mental workload. The method allows to identify the dimensions and factors having the greatest influence on the workload. Its huge advantage is an internal consistency assessment which lets researchers to eliminate the unreliable subjects. SOWA has been applied as a tool for evaluation of workload until now. The article shows the application of SOWA method as an effectiveness evaluation tool in ergonomic training. About 300 workers participated in the two-part ergonomic training. Each part included an expert talk, a demonstration and training of proper technique of weight lifting and carrying as well as physical exercises. Between both parts of training there was a six-month interval. The SOWA questionnaire was applied before the first part of training and after the second one in order to control its effectiveness. As the conclusion, it was stated that the ergonomic training influences on the overall workload measured by the SOWA method.
Katarzyna Jach, Rafał Michalski, Marcin Kuliński
Open Access
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Conference Proceedings
Ergonomics in Polish Outpatient Clinics
Outpatient clinics are structures in which ergonomics plays a key role. This fact is associated with an often occurring risk of developing hospital-acquired infection. The risk increases with mistakes made in wrong planning of working places for the medical staff. On grounds of the profile of such an outpatient clinic, planning the functional and spatial lay-out is subordinated to high utilitarian requirements, including hygienic and sanitary, and technological requirements. A properly planned structure allows to reduce dangers more efficiently for its users: patients and medical staff. The aim of this article is to show the role of ergonomics in planning the safe space in medical facilities. It will present current regulations concerning the spatial planning of outpatient clinics as structures offering medical services in time not exceeding 24 hours, as well as analyses of practical solutions on architecture, technology and ergonomics, which increase user safety in Polish medical facilities offering primary care.
Agnieszka Gębczyńska-Janowicz
Open Access
Article
Conference Proceedings
Eco- Ergonomics in Architectural Practice
Nowadays, one of the main consumers of natural resources and the biggest waste producers is the building sector. Only in the European Union it generates more than 30 per cent of waste every year. Reducing a negative impact of the building industry on the natural environment is an inter-disciplinary task which requires that the designer has possessed an extended knowledge of construction, materials, ecology and ergonomics. The optimum architectural solutions designed for achieving a comfort of using as well as an adequate microclimate of the interiors must be achieved with the respect towards the good condition of natural environment in which we are to live. And this is ecoergonomics that helps us meet this challenge and can be regarded as one of the key pillars of 21-century ecological architecture. This paper is to deal with the ecoergonomics applied in design practice whose aim is to reduce the negative impact of the building sector on the amount of waste produced and an excessive exploitation of resources.
Jerzy Charytonowicz, Maciej Skowronski
Open Access
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Conference Proceedings
Design of Exterior Facades and Ergonomics of the Interiors
The paper is a recapitulation of literature analyses, the author’s observations and studies of selected buildings. Special focus is given on the interaction of the elements creating the external image of buildings, such as their shell, façade solutions and the ergonomics of their interiors. On the grounds of literature analyses the author collected information on the functionality of buildings with extraordinary architectural forms and fashionable façade materials. In the next stage, the functionality of architectural details was investigated, as they create the aesthetics of the facades: breaks in walls, bay windows and various types of sun protection shields. In the course of in-situ investigations, initial conclusions on the impact of the façade solutions, shaping the esthetics of buildings, on the comfort of use of the interiors were verified.
Joanna Tymkiewicz
Open Access
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Conference Proceedings
Biomechanical Evaluation of Professional Violinists Musculoskeletal System Overloading – Motion Capture, Electromyography and Thermovision Study
The work of professional instrumentalists requires a great effort and many hours of daily practice. The musculoskeletal system is under a considerable strain, which is often excessive and taking the form of overload. In the specialist literature conditions of this type are referred to as "playing-related musculoskeletal disorders (PRMDs)" of instrumental musicians. In the violinists these dysfunctions or diseases affect mostly the areas of the right shoulder and elbow, left hand and fingers, and cervical spine. This article presents some biomechanical methods of measuring the movement of violinists during the play. The study was performed using exoskeleton Motion Capture system. The authors present also the electromyography as a method for evaluating muscle tension. It enables the reference to ergonomic standards, applied to repetitive or monotype physical activity, and makes it possible to compare the involvement of individual muscles during play. Additionally, interesting observations concerning an instrumentalist’s body at work can be made using thermal imaging equipment. This method of measurement reflects physiological processes that accompany the effort. Research methods used in the article may help to determine the etiology of the most common ailments in string instrumentalists, provide accurate and objective biomechanical evaluation of the motion loads of musicians and may also pave the way for an effective prevention of diseases in this professional group.
Wiktoria Spikowska-Pawelec, Michal Rychlik, Agata Rzepnicka
Open Access
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Conference Proceedings
Performance Evaluation of Residential Architecture – Scope and Methods Applied in Two Case Studies Based in North England
Aims, scope and methods applied in an EU funded research project Building Performance Evaluation for Sustainable Architecture (BuPESA) are presented. As a part of this research two residential developments based in North England have been chosen for an in-depth post occupancy evaluation (POE). POE evaluates building performance in order to learn how buildings function, how they are perceived and deliver better performing buildings. The physical performance of a building against its design targets is always first established to provide a baseline against which the effects of user behaviour can be measured in terms of energy use and carbon emissions. The BuPESA evaluation involves the use of industry recognised methods as well as development and testing of two new research tools: Usability and Social Learning Tool. These tools help to explore the dynamic relationship between building and its occupants. Research into such relationship confronts physical data with complex human responses to them. BuPESA also aims to develop an enhanced BPE Framework and Service which is transferable across the EU.33.The project started in March 2013 and the fieldwork is due to finish by the end of July 2014. Preliminary discussion of the approach taken is also presented.
Magdalena Baborska-Narozny, Fionn Stevenson
Open Access
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Conference Proceedings
A Method of Assessing Public Space Attractiveness with use of Google Maps.
The paper presents results of research on the quality of public space within Poznan Metropolitan Area. To identify this phenomenon an original method of analysis of World Wide Web was applied. The method is characterized by a high fidelity in diagnosing the character of relations. By means of applied research tools it was possible to analyse visual and functional interactions. The result is a map presenting the attractiveness of public spaces throughout Poznan Metropolitan Area based on a scope of specialised services and their distribution within the city in relation to visual quality of public space.
Case of Poznan MA
Open Access
Article
Conference Proceedings
Ergonomic Solutions for Large Hotel Spaces
Apart from providing accommodation and fulfilling basic human needs, contemporary hotels are places of meetings, business agreements, conferences, symposiums or celebrations of important life invents. In order to provide sufficient space for large groups of users coming at the same time, hotels are being equipped with great halls, vast rooms, and wide corridors. These types of interiors raise certain issues, such as: sufficient lighting, proper acoustics, user and fire safety, high wear rate of finishing materials, or comfort of people with disabilities. However, these problems are usually treated as secondary concerns, whereas the focus is often on an interesting architectural design, implemented without sufficient specialist knowledge on acoustics, visibility or fire protection. This study is a closer analysis of the aforementioned problems, based on case and literature studies. The paper also proposes guidelines which can prove useful in designing or refurbishing large hotel spaces.
Joanna Jablonska, Elzbieta Trocka-Leszczynska
Open Access
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Conference Proceedings
Parametric Design of Airport Passenger Service Areas
The search for methodologies of programming the size of the functional zones of airport terminals has been spurred by the problem of processing statistical and computational information to the form of graphical representation in terms of a simplified model of an object in a linear system. Accordingly, the authors utilised a widely applicable tool to construct an algorithm for testing various options of detailed architectural solutions and design decisions. The possibility of testing various partial solutions should enable changes in the results of calculating the capacity of the terminal in relation to its size, with specific consideration of the passenger service zones. Input data in the form of numerical information on the infrastructure, as well as the standard and estimated throughput of the terminal are calculated by means of the Terminal Planning Spreadsheet Model devised by Transportation Research Board of the National Academies under the framework of the Airport Cooperative Research Program. The algorithm importing the input data contained in the calculation model is processed in the Grasshopper environment. The tool is currently being developed by the authors to be applied for transforming numerical data to optional forms on the bases of given geometrical representation criteria and their arrangement in mutual spatial interrelations (a part of the devised algorithm), an analysis of the size of the functional zones in relation to IATA standards and the number of passenger at the capacity peak. The entire elaboration is currently in preparation and shall be based on a case study using the numerical data on one of regional EU airports. The conducted experiments of processing the numerical data into their graphical representation result in simplified diagrams of the functional zones of a linear system of an airport terminal. The next step is to devise more detailed solutions for specific zones of the terminal and to test the elaborated solutions in view of the theoretical model relation and in situ observations of the existing terminal.
Michał Sitek, Dariusz Masły
Open Access
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Conference Proceedings
Aspects of Flexibilityin Modernization of Office Buildings
The progress in data processing and transmission technology over the last 25 years has revolutionized the concept of office work which prevailed in the whole 20th century. Thanks to a possibility of cooperating in virtual teams it is possible nowadays to work in any place at any time provided there is an access to the global digital network. Such a high level of flexibility may, however, cause significant difficulties. They may include first of all a worse flow of information within the company. It is connected with fewer direct, informal, interpersonal contacts which are replaced by remote contact. Another serious difficulty is the presence of so called logistic stress whose generation is connected with the difficulty in juggling professional and private life, which may be especially difficult for people working irregular hours and in various locations. Those issues may negatively affect both the efficiency and the satisfaction level of white-collar workers. The objective of this article is to demonstrate a possibility of preventing such problems by conscious designing of office space, taking into account both the need of informal contacts and the necessity of equipping the office building with a number of facilities which might cause the reduction of the logistic stress. With the example of an office building erected 30 years ago it will be demonstrated how it is possible to transform the old building with a corridor layout into a building with a flexible layout better suited for today’s needs.
Wacław Szarejko
Open Access
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Conference Proceedings
Function, Form and Ergonomics of Design Solutions for Entrance Zones to Public Utility Buildings. In Situ Analyses
Entrance zones of modern public utility buildings has always had three major functions in the contact between man and the building. First and foremost, they connect the external world with the interiors of the building. Secondly, they provide functional comfort and safety, by means of architectural solutions and material solutions, and, last but not least, they are tokens of a prestige of an institution and its visiting card. The order of these three priority functions has been subject of changes over the centuries. It is enough to analyze different architectural styles to notice the predominance of one function over the other two. Likewise, the functionality and ease of entrance has also been understood in different manners. Nevertheless, from the perspective of the 21st century citizen, it seems that the user has not always been considered with the same importance. Old buildings of the past should not be assessed on the same terms as modern ones. At first, cultural, anthropological and human body dimension factors had the greatest influence on the architectural solutions of entrance zones, only later followed by architectural styles prevailing at given times.
Dorota Winnicka-Jasłowska
Open Access
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Conference Proceedings
The Human Factor in the Urbanism of Medium-Sized Cities in Poland
Poland has a very extensive network of cities. The nature, scale and adaptation to the needs of residents weigh their future fate. Some cities are already recognizing this problem and try to involve in urban development plan also the human factor. Such actions are not only public participation in shaping the directions of development of the city as a whole but also participation in the creation of various public spaces.
Robert Masztalski, Marcin Michalski
Open Access
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Conference Proceedings
Urban-Kitchen. Ergonomics and Sustainability to the Social Complexity
In the use of office or residential space it is crucial to understand how they affect the socio-cultural and demographic changes, and how an ergonomic and sustainable design (ergosostenibile - ergosustainable) meet and conform to the needs of individuals while respecting the environment. In residential space such symbolic transformations can be observed in the kitchen, "laboratory" of choice to observe the evolution of design determined by structure and family relations from the nineteenth century to the twenty-first century. There were significant changes as a result of demographic changes and socio-economic factors. By late modernity, the family meets the individualistic needs and disruptive redeveloping the internal and external relations, and the kitchen loses its rigid definition between backstage and frontstage to reconfigure itself according to new setups. It remains the center of domesticity but new experiences to meet the new requirements when the kitchen becomes a place of socializing and sharing outside the family. This study seeks through the analysis of the changes that have occurred since the nineteenth century to the twenty-first century. An innovative experiences to be understood as a space-kitchen ergosustainable (ergonomic and sustainable) can meet the needs of economic and socio-cultural, present and future, moving towards the urban kitchen: a kitchen as a space to be shared, projected as a part of communal area.
Sonia Marino, Serenella Stasi
Open Access
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Conference Proceedings
Democratic Culture Paradigm for Organizational Management and Leadership Strategies - The Company Democracy Model
Democracy is one of the most powerful words in the world. A word that indicates justice, equality, development, prosperity, respect, freedom, rights, fairness and many other significant meanings that no other word in any language can express better. However, managing, leading, achieving, and sustaining democracy in its true meaning is very difficult, not to say almost impossible. In this research we developed and defined a democratic company culture method and revealed its main components through a new organizational co-evolutionary spiral method and a process for creating a culture that suits different organizations. Companies can create new knowledge, initiate, innovate, understand, perceive and apply the results from the method and manage and lead the company to improve the degree of democratic company culture. Theoretically, the overall procedure adopted in our research is the same as that which has been presented for human and company performance improvement. First, the actuality is viewed through the current democratic behavior. Then the capability and the potentiality in the organization are examined. In this process, the indicative critical issues addressed and answered are: Actuality > what are we managing to do now for our organization’s democratic behavior? Capability > what could we achieve now to develop democratic behavior in our organization? Potentiality > what could we be doing to develop our organization’s democratic behavior? This paper presents our first approach towards identifying and defining the degree of company democracy.
Evangelos Markopoulosa, Hannu Vanharantab
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Toward Environmental Compatibility of Structural Forms
Modern buildings are complex systems which have been in continuous interaction with man, for whom they are living and working environment. An important aspect of this interaction is the visual perception of the building and its relation to the natural environment. This is closely related to the evolution of architectural form and structural system of the building. The capabilities of the process of shaping the form are very much determined by the possibilities of adequate modeling of the building and the exchange of information between the participants of the investment process. Support for the modeling of buildings by means of using computer technology and numerical methods allowed to change the adopted aesthetic paradigm in architecture. One of the consequences of this development is the spread of organic forms, for which an obvious choice of the basic structural material has become concrete. It allows the formation of structural forms that previously could not be realized. However, technological limitations associated with the implementation of spatially complex concrete elements caused that after the initial enthusiasm, there has been a decline in their use. New opportunities offered by the application in the production of these structural elements of the flexible membranes made of technical textiles opens up a new perspective for the design of objects with forms integrated with the natural environment.
Romuald Tarczewski
Open Access
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Conference Proceedings
Influence of Selected Ergonomics Factors on the Effectiveness of Quality Control: Case Study
In this article the authors discuss the results of the influence of selected factors on the effectiveness of ergonomic quality control in production plants of the plastics processing and wood industry. Unsatisfactory performance of the one hundred per cent, visual inspection of products provided a starting point to undertake research. Analysis of workstations using the Pacholski checklist, surveys of subjective feelings of employees and methods of experts, showed a low level of selected ergonomic factors. Considering the fact that the main aim of the company is profit, to urge employers to interest in ergonomics, profitability of the investment should be presented. Validity of the project can be shown by the growth of such indicators as effectiveness, efficiency control, productivity, etc. The analyzed literature, including nearly one hundred and fifty scientific publications, the problem of the impact of ergonomics on the effectiveness of one hundred percent quality control has not been taken. An attempt to determine the relationships between working conditions and the effectiveness of the quality control process presented in this article, is a case study.
Fryderyk Wachowiak, Agnieszka Kujawińska
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Conference Proceedings
Transformation of Architectural and Urban Spaces for the Creative Class
The socioeconomic concept of the creative class is related to a situation in which economic status and development of significant groups of people is based on creating knowledge and on processing information, while the basis of their economic advantage is creativity. This fact has its spatial consequences – a condition for creative activity is appropriate environmental situation. Creating architectural and urban spaces for the creative class requires the selection and definition of features creating value in the information society and on creating a space in such a way as to stimulate creativity. The support of interaction with other users, support spontaneous behavior, and a possibility for individual, flexible transformation of space are a part of spatial attributes, which may stimulate creativity.
Agata Bonenberg
Open Access
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Conference Proceedings
Psychological, Social and Cultural Analysis Concerning the Formation and Use of Public Sanitary Facilities
Organization, appearance and methods of use of public sanitary facilities depend on many psychological, social and cultural aspects taking into account various user behaviors associated with the treatment and perception of their body, a different attitude towards personal hygiene, gender, privacy, modesty and the socio-economic status. These factors determine the specific needs and requirements which are defining quality and ways of use of public sanitary facilities. Most of the social reactions to public sanitary facilities concern their quality, physical condition and level of cleanliness and maintenance. These most common negative reactions result from not only aesthetic experience of user, but refer to their feelings about territoriality and privacy. In addition, the general social attitude towards public facilities, often unconscious, is much more negative than attitude towards private bathroom or towards a general idea of the bathroom. Similarly, most of human feelings about the body, gender, physiological needs, hygiene and privacy become stronger and more exaggerated in the context of "publicness" that causes the inevitable violation of the territorial and loss of privacy, which are increasing public apprehensions. Physiological needs appear to be more common in the public context, but also most of the difficulties and psychological problems are associated precisely with them. Apart from hotels, the majority of people, with the exception of certain cultures, has little experience in the use of public bathing facilities. For this reason, the analysis will focus on public toilets.
Anna Jaglarz
Open Access
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Conference Proceedings
Ultralight Exoskeleton Walking System for Heavy Loaded Users
It is known that because of the vertical position of the human body, there are few serious imperfections in the musculoskeletal structure. These critical defects, combine with elongated life time, results in the mass sicknesses and disorders. Proposed in the article system, can greatly reduce that imperfections, by giving the right dynamic support for the natural musculoskeletal system. Additionally, the ultralight exoskeleton walking system, absorbs the energy during the movement of the strongest groups of muscles, and gives it beck, supporting weaker groups of the muscles. The ultralight exoskeleton walking system, combines of two subsystems: pneumatic (or not) top independent exoskeleton and attached to it walking exoskeleton system. Top one saves the human spine structures. The second one save the human knees. Both of them reduce the muscles fatigue.
Michal Pelczarski
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“Greenhouse of Senses” – A New Quality of Educational Space for the Blind
The idea of creating sensory gardens, also known as gardens of senses, is developing around the world since the beginning of the 20th century. Such places are organized mainly for the disabled people for the purpose of socializing, therapeutics and education. Spatial zones of sensory gardens refer to different senses like taste, smell, touch, hearing, kinesthetic sense and others. Following towards social expectations, the authors of the paper have taken the task which resulted in developing detailed guidelines for constructing innovative educational and recreational path called the Greenhouse of Senses dedicated to visually impaired as well as to healthy people. Three aims were given at the beginning of the research. The first was bringing new values into education programme for children and young people with visual disorders. The second was to develop a sensory garden independent from the climate conditions. The third task was to extend the available offer aimed at advancing integration processes between disabled and non-disabled people. Chosen research methods, which are based on close cooperation with users, as well as with experts on ergonomics, pedagogy, psychology, sociology, physiology, dendrology and others, are to bring effects in the form of the development of the functional and spatial plan including the arrangement and detailed equipment for this unprecedented educational training ground of a limited volume.The assumed final effect of the authors’ research is constructing a model facility near the school for blind and partially sighted children in Dąbrowa Górnicza (Poland) and supporting the implementation of new teaching methods and reinforcing integration processes within the facility, as well as in wider range of the city and the region.
Katarzyna Ujma-Wasowicz, Klaudiusz Fross
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Comprehensive Inclusive Design for Public Transport System in Shanghai
Recently, inclusive design is one of the most significant principles involved with design for urban public facilities, and urban public transport system( PTS), as a public facility, normally need to cover different types of users, which forced them to promote the inclusiveness in its service. This led the mainstream design tendency to concentrate on ergonomics of marginalized users. Despite the traditional inclusive design strategy, this paper outlines the evaluation on the other two aspects, which included systematical design and product experience, to complement the current inclusive design in current PTS of Shanghai. In this case, the purpose of this paper is probe the affecting factors related to the systematical issues and the product experience in the public traffic service. Literature study and online questionary concerned with PTS in Shanghai, are the main approaches in this study, which ultimately indicated the issues from the systematical angle and a more comprehensive model of inclusive design system for PTS in Shanghai.
Han Xingmou, Liu Long
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