Thermal comfort model for classrooms using occupant-centered approach

Using Grounded Theory (GT) and the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), this mixed-methods study explores how architecture students' and graduates' understanding of thermal comfort evolves. Focus groups (FG-1 to FG-3) across three educational levels showed that perceptions mature from a basic...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Huda Riaz, Sabahat Arif, Sumra Yousuf, Muhammad Nasir Bashir, Muhammad Mahmood Ali, Irfan Anjum Badruddin
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2025-09-01
Series:Case Studies in Thermal Engineering
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Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214157X25008494
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Summary:Using Grounded Theory (GT) and the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), this mixed-methods study explores how architecture students' and graduates' understanding of thermal comfort evolves. Focus groups (FG-1 to FG-3) across three educational levels showed that perceptions mature from a basic focus on building design to a sophisticated understanding encompassing behavioural, psychological, and climatic factors. This led to four frameworks (FW-1 to FW-4), culminating in a comprehensive Thermal Comfort Evaluation Framework (FW-4) integrating building performance, climatic conditions, and occupant responses throughout design. A novel occupant-centred model synthesises AHP-weighted priorities and GT themes, structured around building performance (type, exterior, interior), climatic conditions (temperature, humidity, air velocity), and occupant (psychological and behavioural) factors. This model reflects the interplay of controllable and uncontrollable variables impacting thermal perception and productivity, offering a robust decision-making design model.
ISSN:2214-157X