SF-98-11-4 -- Thermal Comfort in Transitional Spaces in the Cool Season of Bangkok PDF

A field survey of 593 subjects occupying both indoor (air-conditioned and naturally ventilated) and outdoor environments was carried out. The focus of the survey dealt with experience of transitional spaces of buildings in the cool season of Bangkok, Thailand. This paper presents the results of the survey, which were compiled and analyzed in the following order: expectation, sensation, preference, and adaptation. The data are also compared with previous research of office environments in Bangkok. The results from the analysis show two important aspects. First, the neutral temperature for the whole sample is 27.1°C (80.8°F) and thermal acceptability is between 25.5°C (77.9°F) and 31.5°C (88.7°F), whereas the expected temperature is 26.7°C (80.1°F). As might be expected, the majority would prefer a "cooler" environment. The results are in good agreement with those of previous research but are beyond the upper limit of International Standard ISO 7730. Second, it is shown that the thermal responses of each group are influenced by the acclimatized characteristics of their environmental conditions. The work described here is part of a larger thermal comfort study and program to optimize comfort in buildings in warm climates.

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