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The Effect of Natural Ventilation on Passenger Comfort in Transport Terminals

Abstract

Transport terminals are important public facilities that accommodate large numbers of passengers and staff, often for extended periods. Maintaining comfortable indoor environmental conditions in these spaces is essential because overcrowding, heat accumulation, and poor air movement can negatively affect passenger experience. Natural ventilation provides a passive approach to improving indoor airflow by using wind pressure, temperature differences, and strategically positioned openings. Its effective application can improve thermal conditions while reducing dependence on mechanical ventilation and air-conditioning systems. This study examines the effect of natural ventilation on passenger comfort in transport terminals, focusing on how airflow characteristics influence thermal and environmental conditions within waiting and circulation areas. The study considers ventilation openings, building orientation, spatial configuration, ceiling height, entrance design, and the arrangement of internal spaces. These factors are assessed in relation to air movement, indoor temperature, humidity, and perceived passenger comfort. The effectiveness of natural ventilation is influenced by both architectural design and external climatic conditions. Prevailing wind direction, wind speed, outdoor temperature, surrounding buildings, vegetation, and site configuration can affect the amount and distribution of air entering a terminal. Cross-ventilation, stack ventilation, large openings, courtyards, and elevated roof forms may improve airflow when appropriately integrated into the building design. Passenger density and movement patterns are also important considerations. Transport terminals experience significant variations in occupancy depending on arrival and departure schedules, peak travel periods, and the type of transportation service provided. High passenger densities can increase internal heat gains and reduce the effectiveness of natural airflow. Providing appropriately distributed openings and maintaining unobstructed air paths can help improve ventilation performance under changing occupancy conditions. Despite its potential benefits, natural ventilation in transport terminals may be affected by noise, outdoor air pollution, security requirements, rain, extreme weather conditions, and surrounding traffic activity. Large openings may also create difficulties in controlling indoor conditions during periods of unfavourable weather. Consequently, the successful application of natural ventilation requires careful integration with shading, building orientation, environmental controls, and, where necessary, supplementary mechanical ventilation. The study aims to assess the relationship between natural ventilation and passenger comfort in transport terminals and identify architectural strategies that can improve indoor environmental conditions. The findings are expected to provide useful guidance for architects, transportation planners, engineers, and facility managers in designing more comfortable and climate-responsive terminal environments. The study can contribute to improved passenger experience, healthier indoor conditions, reduced cooling energy demand, and more sustainable transport infrastructure.

Keywords: Natural ventilation, Passenger comfort, Transport terminals, Thermal comfort, Airflow, Indoor environmental quality, Cross-ventilation, Building orientation, Ventilation openings, Passenger density, Passive design, Transport architecture, Climate-responsive design, Energy efficiency.