Unit 1 Principles – Questions on Human
comfort
College-Level Questions on Comfort in Buildings:
Questions
1. Personal Factors:
A: Explain how the concept of acclimatization can influence thermal comfort
preferences in people from different geographical regions. Discuss the potential
challenges this might pose for designing buildings that accommodate a diverse
population.
B: Research and compare the specific thermal comfort needs of elderly
individuals and young children. How can these differing needs be addressed in
the design of educational facilities?
2. Health and Wellbeing:
A: Discuss the potential health risks associated with Building-Related Illnesses
(BRI) and Sick Building Syndrome (SBS). How can building design play a role in
mitigating these risks?
B: How can the concept of wellbeing, as defined by Dodge et al (2012), be
integrated into the design process to create buildings that promote occupant
health and satisfaction?
3. Thermal Comfort:
A: Critically evaluate the limitations of using a single "ideal" temperature for
achieving thermal comfort in buildings. Discuss alternative strategies that can be
employed to create thermally comfortable environments.
B: Analyze the relationship between thermal comfort and energy efficiency in
buildings. How can these be balanced effectively in design practices?
4. Indoor Air Quality (IAQ):
A: Compare and contrast the potential health risks associated with short-term
and long-term indoor air pollutants. How can building design features and
ventilation systems address these concerns?
, B: Research and explain the concept of sick building syndrome in the context of
IAQ. Discuss potential strategies for improving indoor air quality to mitigate its
symptoms.
5. Visual Comfort:
A: Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of incorporating large windows
for natural light in buildings. How can daylighting be maximized while minimizing
glare and thermal discomfort?
B: Discuss the psychological and social benefits of providing occupants with
access to views from the building interior. How can this be integrated into the
design process while considering factors like privacy?
6. Noise Nuisance:
A: Explain how different types of noise (e.g., continuous vs. intermittent,
masking sounds) can impact occupant comfort and productivity. Discuss
strategies for noise control and acoustic insulation in buildings.
B: Research and present a case study of a building project that successfully
addressed noise nuisance concerns. Analyze the design strategies employed and
their effectiveness.
These questions are designed to encourage critical thinking, research, and
application of knowledge about various factors affecting comfort in buildings.
comfort
College-Level Questions on Comfort in Buildings:
Questions
1. Personal Factors:
A: Explain how the concept of acclimatization can influence thermal comfort
preferences in people from different geographical regions. Discuss the potential
challenges this might pose for designing buildings that accommodate a diverse
population.
B: Research and compare the specific thermal comfort needs of elderly
individuals and young children. How can these differing needs be addressed in
the design of educational facilities?
2. Health and Wellbeing:
A: Discuss the potential health risks associated with Building-Related Illnesses
(BRI) and Sick Building Syndrome (SBS). How can building design play a role in
mitigating these risks?
B: How can the concept of wellbeing, as defined by Dodge et al (2012), be
integrated into the design process to create buildings that promote occupant
health and satisfaction?
3. Thermal Comfort:
A: Critically evaluate the limitations of using a single "ideal" temperature for
achieving thermal comfort in buildings. Discuss alternative strategies that can be
employed to create thermally comfortable environments.
B: Analyze the relationship between thermal comfort and energy efficiency in
buildings. How can these be balanced effectively in design practices?
4. Indoor Air Quality (IAQ):
A: Compare and contrast the potential health risks associated with short-term
and long-term indoor air pollutants. How can building design features and
ventilation systems address these concerns?
, B: Research and explain the concept of sick building syndrome in the context of
IAQ. Discuss potential strategies for improving indoor air quality to mitigate its
symptoms.
5. Visual Comfort:
A: Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of incorporating large windows
for natural light in buildings. How can daylighting be maximized while minimizing
glare and thermal discomfort?
B: Discuss the psychological and social benefits of providing occupants with
access to views from the building interior. How can this be integrated into the
design process while considering factors like privacy?
6. Noise Nuisance:
A: Explain how different types of noise (e.g., continuous vs. intermittent,
masking sounds) can impact occupant comfort and productivity. Discuss
strategies for noise control and acoustic insulation in buildings.
B: Research and present a case study of a building project that successfully
addressed noise nuisance concerns. Analyze the design strategies employed and
their effectiveness.
These questions are designed to encourage critical thinking, research, and
application of knowledge about various factors affecting comfort in buildings.
