Thermal Comfort Conditions’ Definition

Objective

To derive at the factors affecting Thermal comfort as a dynamic entity and defining ‘Thermal Comfort’.

Outcome

Students will realise that Thermal Comfort is very subjective, although captured in a range for a climatic zone, does not necessarily represent the same standards for all the places. Students will also question the current thermal comfort models considered as standard and methods used in Space design.

Requirements

None

Prerequisites

Students should have conducted all the previous ‘Thermal Comfort’ series of activities to summarise ‘What is Thermal Comfort’?

Procedure

Step 1: Based on all the previous activities, ask the students to reflect on their experiences and learnings and brainstorm on the factors that affect ‘Thermal Comfort’

Step 2: List down all the factors that the students are sharing.

Step 3: Define ‘Thermal Comfort’ based on the experiences

Step 4: Read and research about the formal Definition of Thermal Comfort. 

Step 5: Reflect on 

• ‘Are Architects mindful of ‘Thermal Comfort’ while designing or do we consider mechanical Ventilation (Air Conditioning) as an answer to that?’ 
• Can we truly design Sustainably if we are not mindful of ‘Thermal Comfort’ in our designs?

References

1. The evolution and politics of thermal comfort – Part 1
2. The evolution and politics of thermal comfort – Part 2
3. The evolution and politics of thermal comfort – Part 3 
4. ASHRAE Standard 55 (Thermal Environmental Conditions for Human Occupancy standards)
5. Thermal Comfort in India – https://www.grihaindia.org/events/innovation/pdf/ppt/RV-Simha.pdf