Thermal and visual comfort of schoolchildren in air-conditioned classrooms in hot and humid climates

In classrooms, lighting and thermal conditions play a key role in the performance of students since they are in school for long periods of time and carry out activities that involve mental effort and concentration as part of their learning process. This paper analyzes the opinions of children aged 9...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:	Building and environment Vol. 182; p. 107156
Main Authors:	Noda, Lumy, Lima, Amanda V.P., Souza, Jullyanne F., Leder, Solange, Quirino, Luana M.
Format:	Journal Article
Language:	English
Published:	Oxford Elsevier Ltd 01-09-2020 Elsevier BV
Subjects:	Air conditioners Air conditioning Air temperature Children Children's perception Classrooms Climate High temperature Hot and humid climates Humid climates Illuminance Lighting Low temperature Schools Students Thermal comfort Thermal environments Visual comfort Air conditioning Hot and humid climates Visual comfort Thermal comfort Schools Children's perception
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Summary:	In classrooms, lighting and thermal conditions play a key role in the performance of students since they are in school for long periods of time and carry out activities that involve mental effort and concentration as part of their learning process. This paper analyzes the opinions of children aged 9–11 years old about the thermal and lighting quality in air-conditioned classrooms. This field study monitored and recorded the following variables: illuminance (lux), air temperature (°C), mean radiant temperature (°C), humidity (%), and air velocity (m/s); in addition, a questionnaire was answered by 97 students. Regarding visual comfort, the results showed a heterogeneous distribution of light ranging from 85.53 lux to 1227.10 lux. Most students perceived the classrooms as being light (median: 324.05 lux); however, such classification did not represent absolute satisfaction. Regarding the thermal environment, the mean air temperature was 26.76 °C, and the mean radiant temperature was 26.65 °C. Even when the thermal conditions were controlled with the use of air conditioning, we found a high incidence of discomfort among children: 34.01% of children were uncomfortable due to low temperature and 30.93% due to high temperature. Nevertheless, 48.46% of the schoolchildren affirmed that they would prefer the temperature in the room to be lower. The results also showed that the children who claimed a sensation alluding to the heat also displayed a preference for a warmer environment. •This study investigated thermal and visual comfort in children aged between 9 and 11 years.•The classification of the classroom as having bright light did not necessarily represent satisfactory light conditions.•Thermal neutrality did not represent the preferred thermal condition for the students.•Even when using air conditioning, there was a high incidence of discomfort among the children.•The children preferred higher temperatures even when reporting a feeling of heat.
ISSN:	0360-1323 1873-684X
DOI:	10.1016/j.buildenv.2020.107156