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Lookup NU author(s): Professor Neveen Hamza
This is the authors' accepted manuscript of a conference proceedings (inc. abstract) that has been published in its final definitive form by The Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2018.
For re-use rights please refer to the publisher's terms and conditions.
This study compares the thermal and visual comfort performance of the prototypical school classrooms design in two climatic regions in the Dominican Republic. Established metrics for thermal and visual indices combined with dynamic building performance simulations are carried out to assess the current performance and possible architectural interventions to improve the environmental performance of the classrooms. The PMV/PPD method with the ASHRAE scale, the adaptive comfort with the EN-15251 standard, the neutral comfort obtained with Kubota hot humid climate equations and the thermal sensation votes analysis underpins the conclusions. The prototypical classroom design was in the “comfortable” range in Santiago while “slightly cool” in Constanza School. Simulations were used to evaluate the daylight conditions and showed that Daylight Factor and Illuminance were within the acceptable ranges, but issues with glare and daylight uniformity arise. This study indicates that the use of light shelves do not improve the daylight conditions and suggests other architectural design interventions that are more effective in improving the indoor environment for students and teachers. KEYWORDS: Thermal Comfort, Visual Comfort, Classrooms, Prototypical, Environment.
Author(s): Ramirez L, Hamza N
Publication type: Conference Proceedings (inc. Abstract)
Publication status: Published
Conference Name: Passive and Low Energy Architecture (PLEA): Smart and Healthy Within the 2 Degree Limit
Year of Conference: 2018
Print publication date: 12/12/2018
Acceptance date: 12/09/2018
Date deposited: 25/09/2018
Publisher: The Chinese University of Hong Kong
URL: http://www.plea2018.org/