Abstract
The rapid expansion of urbanization resulted in the necessity of providing more spaces. Due to the insufficient internal spaces, external spaces were used to complement the functionality of spaces on the university campus. However, thermal comfort in the external spaces was much more difficult to control as compared to internal spaces. Thus, it was crucial to identify the parameters affecting thermal comfort. This study presented a fieldwork measurement and personal satisfaction survey to evaluate the microclimate characteristic of the external space as well as the satisfaction of occupants. Findings revealed there was a high level of thermal discomfort in the study spaces that encountered a strong impact from the parametric thermal environment. Hence, the recommendation to take thermal comfort into consideration during the design stage was proposed. The study concluded that a well-performed building would have a great level of thermal comfort and as a result, high frequency and satisfaction of usage of spaces could be achieved.
TopLiterature Review
Heat Transferred from the Solar Radiation
Outdoor exposure to solar radiation has been shown to cause significant dissatisfaction and discomfort to people (Simon & Ken, 2007). Although the heat transmission of solar radiation from the sun to the earth's surface has been reduced, the intensity of the solar energy is still able to cause thermal discomfort to outdoor space users. The physiological effect on the individual is subjected to climatic and personal factors. The hot climate and cold climate occurred in different seasons and both desire the different extent of solar heat (Baruch, et al., 2003). Thus, in Malaysia with a hot and humid climate, directly exposure to solar radiation on hot summer days may cause the outdoor space users to absorb excess heat energy. In addition to the direct exposure to sunlight, the current activity and choices of clothing may increase the level of thermal discomfort. The metabolic heat that is generated at outdoor is considerably more than indoors. The color of clothing would absorb different amounts of heat due to the ability of light reflection; dark color absorbed more heat than bright color because it reflected less light than the other.
Heat Exchange due to Temperature Gradient
The temperature sensation of human body is evoked by signals from warm and cold receptors in the skin to obtain information concerning the thermal condition of external objects or the environment (Grace, et al., 2019). To achieve a state of thermal equilibrium, the human body has several mechanisms to maintain its core internal temperature, which returns the body to homeostasis. Generally, the human body kept its body temperature constant at 37 ± 0.5 °C under different climatic conditions (Tugrul Ogulata, 2007). The process to remain in the state of thermal equilibrium is called thermoregulation. Only when the body needs to warm up or cool down that triggered the mechanisms function. The human body could adapt to the external environment up to a certain range, but as soon as the limits are reached, the body’s responses are perceived as uncomfortable. Global warming and urban heat island has become major concerns throughout the world (Mohd, et al., 2016). As Malaysia is categorized as an equator country, the temperature remained at a high level throughout the year. The warmer urban climate may lead to negative impacts on the human comfort level. Even in a shaded area at outdoor space, the air temperature is still high enough to cause thermal discomfort to the outdoor space users.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Air Movement: Air flow or movement of air due to the differences in temperature between two locations.
Solar Radiation: Solar resource or just sunlight, is a general term for the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the sun.
Urbanization: The process through which cities grow, and higher and higher percentages of the population comes to live in the city.
Satisfaction: Satisfaction is getting thing that brings gratification, pleasure, or contentment.
Temperature Gradient: A temperature gradient is a physical quantity that describes in which direction and at what rate the temperature changes the most rapidly around a particular location.
Outdoor Space: A space that mean a patio or deck, whether covered or uncovered, a yard, a walkway, or a parking lot, or a portion of any such space, that is located on or adjacent to the business premises, which space is owned, leased, or otherwise in the lawful control of the owner or operator of the business premises.
Thermal Comfort: It is the condition of mind that expresses satisfaction with the thermal environment and is assessed by subjective evaluation.
Indoor Space: A space situated or used within a building or under cover.