Assessment of Thermal Environment in University Studio Classrooms within a Warm and Humid Climate
Résumé
Understanding the thermal comfort conditions of students in studio classrooms is vital for their academic performance and well-being, particularly in tropical climates where high temperatures significantly influence indoor environments. In educational environments, thermal comfort plays a critical role in student health, focus, and academic performance. This study assesses thermal comfort in naturally ventilated studio classrooms at the Department of Architecture, Alex-Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Nigeria. A mixed-method approach involving environmental monitoring and post-occupancy surveys was adopted. Measurements of air temperature, relative humidity, and air velocity were recorded using Tinytag data loggers and Kestral wind meter instruments, while subjective responses were collected using the ASHRAE 7-point thermal sensation scale. Results reveal that while indoor thermal conditions frequently exceeded ASHRAE Standard 55-2017 thresholds, the majority of students accepted these conditions, demonstrating adaptive behavior. A neutral temperature of the students was found to be 27.8°C, with comfort ranges of 25.3 to 32.7°C and from 26.8 to 31.2oC, at 80% and 90% acceptability, respectively. Afternoon discomfort was notable, due to the high mean indoor operative temperature (30.1oC) with the corresponding high mean thermal sensation vote (1.30). Orientation, ventilation pathways, and classroom size influenced comfort levels. Findings support the adaptive comfort model and underline the importance of passive design strategies in improving thermal environments in tropical educational settings.
Citer ce document
Accès au document
Texte intégral en lecture en ligne, réservé aux abonnés SPHAERO et aux membres de l'institution. Se connecter
Voir l'article sur le site de la revueAuteur(s)
Statistiques
Consultations : 1
Téléchargements : 0