Thermal Comfort – part 1

Thermal Comfort in Modern Architecture

Thermal comfort has become one of the important and controversial topics in today’s architecture. Before designing and constructing any space, one of the main priorities is to determine and estimate the thermal comfort range of users.

Factors Influencing Thermal Comfort

1. Climatic Changes: Changes in climate have a major impact on human thermal comfort.
2. Human Reactions: Humans react differently to climatic changes.

Technology and Optimization

With advances in technology, humanity has strived to optimize climatic conditions and create the best possible living environment.

Importance of Thermal Comfort

Satisfaction with the thermal environment has a direct impact on human productivity and health.

Research Results

Research has shown that office workers who are satisfied with their workplace temperature not only work more but also have higher productivity. In contrast, thermal discomfort can lead to symptoms of Sick Building Syndrome (SBS).

Concept of Comfort Zone

The comfort zone refers to a range in which the majority of people feel comfortable and at ease. This range includes a combination of the following factors:

1. Air Temperature: The ambient temperature should be at a level where individuals do not feel excessively cool or warm.
2. Relative Humidity: Humidity should be at a level that does not cause feelings of discomfort or dry skin.
3. Air Movement: Adequate airflow can help reduce feelings of heat or humidity.
4. Mean Radiant Temperature: The effect of heat from surrounding objects and surfaces on the temperature and comfort of individuals.

These four components collectively determine thermal comfort in various spaces.

What is Thermal Comfort?

Thermal comfort refers to a state in which an individual is in a suitably warm environment and experiences a favorable thermal sensation, resulting in physical comfort and health.

Definition and Principles

Thermal comfort relates to the balance between heat production and loss in the body and the surrounding environment. The human body attempts to maintain its temperature within an optimal range:

• Ambient Temperature Above Body Temperature: In this case, the body tries to dissipate excess heat through sweating and heat exchange with the skin.
• Ambient Temperature Below Body Temperature: In these conditions, the body resorts to methods such as vasoconstriction and heat production (thermogenesis) to retain internal heat.

Influential Factors

To achieve thermal comfort, factors such as the following are important:

1. Air Temperature: Directly affects the sensation of warmth or coolness.
2. Humidity: The relative humidity of the environment can influence feelings of discomfort and unease.
3. Air Movement: Wind speed and airflow affect heat exchange.
4. Wind Speed: Air movement can either increase or decrease the feeling of coolness.

Individual Differences

The perception of thermal comfort can vary among individuals and is influenced by factors such as age, gender, general health, and physical activity level.

Factors Affecting Thermal Comfort

Finding the ideal temperature for each individual in a specific space is challenging, as there are personal differences in psychological and physiological satisfaction. Various factors, ranging from wall thickness and roof type to gender and clothing type, influence thermal comfort. These factors can be divided into two main categories:

1. Personal Factors
2. Environmental Factors

Below are some of these factors:

1. Temperature: Ambient temperature directly affects the experience of thermal comfort. Extremely high or low temperatures can cause discomfort, and the desirable temperatures may vary for each individual.
2. Humidity: The amount of humidity in the air significantly affects thermal comfort. High humidity can lead to feelings of warmth and stickiness on the skin, resulting in discomfort.
3. Air Movement: Air movement in the environment can influence thermal comfort. Calm air and adequate airflow can help dissipate heat from the body and enhance the feeling of comfort. However, strong airflow may induce feelings of cold or heat and increase discomfort.
4. Wind Speed: Wind speed also plays a role. Wind can transfer body heat and create a feeling of coolness; however, excessive wind speed can lead to discomfort.
5. Physical Activity: The level of physical activity of an individual also influences thermal comfort. Intense physical activity can increase heat production and intensify feelings of discomfort in warm environments.
6. Individual Factors: Personal factors such as age, gender, health status, and physical fitness also affect feelings of thermal comfort. For example, older adults, children, and pregnant women may be more easily affected by temperature changes.