A Comparison in Perception of Local and Foreign Residents to Thermal Comfort in Naturally Conditioned Residential Buildings

Abstract

Thermal comfort is the individual satisfaction with the surrounding thermal environment. It is mainly affected by environmental factors (i.e., air temperature, relative humidity, air movement, and mean radiant temperature) and individual factors (i.e., activity and clothing). However, other factors such as acclimatization, experiences and expectations, food and drink, body shape and subcutaneous fat, age and gender, and state of health might play a significant role in the individual sensation and satisfaction of the thermal environment. This study investigates the possible differences in thermal perception between local and foreign residents, which might occur due to the influence of the individual and contributing factors that are linked to their thermal, cultural, and behavioural backgrounds. High-rise residential buildings that accommodate local and foreign residents were selected, and a questionnaire survey was distributed to assess their thermal comfort perception. The results showed differences between local and foreign residents in thermal comfort perception. The foreign residents were more satisfied and comfortable with the thermal environment compared to the local residents. However, this difference was found to be statistically insignificant; therefore, it might be linked to factors linked to the current study, including acclimatization, expectation, clothing insulation and activity levels. Therefore, a further large-scale investigation might be required with more analysis on the role and influence of the contributing factors on the thermal sensation of different gropes.