Evaluation of Indoor Environmental Quality in an Academic Building in the Temperate Climate of South Bengaluru

Abstract

The quality of indoor environments in academic buildings significantly influences occupant comfort, learning efficiency, and overall well-being. This study aimed to evaluate the indoor environmental quality of a contemporary academic building in South Bengaluru through objective environmental measurements and occupant perception surveys, and to assess its impact on user comfort and satisfaction. Field measurements and occupant surveys were conducted during three different time slots: 9:30–10:30 am, 1:00–2:00 pm, and 3:00–4:00 pm. Environmental parameters, such as air temperature, relative humidity, air speed, lux levels, and noise levels were recorded both indoors and outdoors. Simultaneously, questionnaires were distributed to 89 students and faculty members to understand subjective comfort responses related to thermal comfort, daylight, glare, air movement, noise, and seating comfort. Post-occupancy evaluation revealed an overall comfort satisfaction rate of only 34.8%. The primary cause of discomfort appeared to be temperature, with high dissatisfaction related to temperature (57.3%), air freshness (52.8%), and air movement (50.6%) against background environmental ranges of 31.3–32.9°C and relative humidity of 49–60%. However, for visual comfort, higher acceptance came about due to artificial lighting (58.4%), while daylight availability scored a value of 52.8%, spanning from 81 to 969 lux. Background noise strongly varied from 48 to 77 dB(A) and was deeply suppressed on lower floors. The results of the study support the design of climate-responsive educational facilities through consideration of shade, natural ventilation, and daylighting to positively impact the comfort of users, their ability to learn, and the overall quality of the indoor environment.