Exploring the influence of qualitative factors on the thermal comfort of office occupants

Abstract

The need for qualitative study of human factors in the field of thermal comfort is well established, particularly within the context of naturally ventilated buildings where adaptation plays a significant role in occupant comfort. It is argued that qualitative methods which adopt a view of comfort as a socio-cultural achievement, rather than an engineering problem, are better suited to identifying hidden issues which affect occupant comfort and satisfaction, and adding depth to known issues. This paper presents the results of a pilot study which aimed to test and refine a qualitative thermal comfort research methodology, particularly the use of semi-structured interviews. The pilot study building, a small office in a suburban, residential setting, was predominantly naturally ventilated and afforded a high level of adaptive opportunity to occupants. The results highlight the importance of cultural and contextual factors that facilitate, or limit, comfort-related adaptations, and the benefits of using interviews to draw out these understandings.