Sopite syndrome in wind-excited buildings : productivity and wellbeing impacts

Tall buildings vibrate in response to strong winds at frequencies below 1 Hz, which can cause motion sickness and sopite syndrome in humans. Sopite syndrome is characterized by sleepiness, low motivation and low mood that can reduce productivity in office workers. This paper uses recent multidisciplinary research to estimate the cost of building motion on organizations in tall buildings, and provides a framework for future research. The potential costs of wind-induced building motion to organizations are highly variable, depending on the local weather climate, but are likely to be significant in the long-term. It is argued that wind-induced building motion is a negative externality, a cost of inadequate design passed to building users. A three-factor approach towards reducing adverse impacts of wind-induced building motion is discussed: (1) further research investigating the characteristics of motion that provoke sopite syndrome, (2) create a new generation of serviceability criteria, and (3) regulations setting the maximum acceptable motion dose for office workers. This three-factor approach will likely produce comprehensive, yet usable, guidelines to develop strategies that reduce the adverse effects of motion on occupants in both new and existing buildings.