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Assessment of Thermal Comfort in University Lecture Halls

Abstract

Thermal comfort is an important component of indoor environmental quality in university lecture halls because students and lecturers spend considerable periods within these spaces during academic activities. Uncomfortable thermal conditions can cause distraction, fatigue, reduced concentration, and dissatisfaction among building users. Lecture halls often accommodate large numbers of occupants within enclosed spaces, creating additional heat loads that can influence indoor temperature and air movement. Assessing thermal comfort in these environments is therefore important for supporting effective learning and teaching conditions. This study assesses thermal comfort conditions in selected university lecture halls, with emphasis on the environmental and architectural factors that influence occupants' thermal experiences. The assessment considers indoor air temperature, relative humidity, air movement, occupancy levels, clothing conditions, and other relevant environmental parameters. Architectural characteristics such as building orientation, window arrangement, room size, ceiling height, shading, materials, and ventilation configuration are also examined to understand their relationship with thermal conditions. The research evaluates thermal comfort under different occupancy and environmental conditions within the selected lecture halls. Particular attention is given to the effectiveness of natural ventilation, mechanical cooling, shading devices, and openings in regulating indoor temperatures and supporting adequate air movement. Measurements of environmental conditions may be combined with occupant questionnaires to determine how measured conditions correspond with users' perceptions of warmth, coolness, and overall comfort. Occupant behaviour and patterns of use are also considered in the assessment. The number of students present, duration of lectures, use of doors and windows, operation of fans or air-conditioning systems, and variations in outdoor weather conditions can influence indoor thermal conditions. Differences between lecture halls may also result from variations in building orientation, envelope characteristics, occupancy density, and ventilation strategies. Understanding these interactions can help identify the architectural and operational factors that contribute most significantly to thermal discomfort. The study recognizes that maintaining thermal comfort in university lecture halls can be challenging, particularly in warm climates where high outdoor temperatures and solar heat gain can increase indoor thermal loads. Excessive reliance on mechanical cooling may increase energy consumption, while inadequate ventilation or poorly designed openings may result in stagnant and uncomfortable indoor conditions. The assessment therefore considers opportunities for combining passive design measures, appropriate building operation, and efficient mechanical systems to achieve acceptable thermal conditions. The study aims to assess the level of thermal comfort in university lecture halls and identify architectural and environmental factors associated with variations in occupant comfort. The findings are expected to provide useful information for architects, university administrators, facility managers, and building designers in improving lecture hall environments. The study may also support the development of climate-responsive design and management strategies that enhance student and lecturer comfort while reducing unnecessary energy consumption.

Keywords: Thermal comfort, University lecture halls, Indoor environmental quality, Student comfort, Air temperature, Relative humidity, Natural ventilation, Air movement, Occupancy density, Solar heat gain, Passive design, Mechanical cooling, Learning environment, Building performance.