A Literature Review on Healthy Buildings Based on Various Perspectives

Abstract

AbstractExisting healthy building standards and guidelines are based on the dose exposure point of view, where certain doses of safe or comfortable exposure to light, sound, air quality, water quality and indoor temperature are established. This poses a substandard outlook of designing a healthy indoor environment which is defined by more than just levels of exposure that are safe. This research presents a literature review that provides a new outlook on healthy building which is more user-centric and improves occupant quality of life by considering the mental and physical health effects, and the effect of the built environment on its occupants. Literature was collected on indoor environmental quality parameters: indoor air quality, thermal comfort, visual comfort, and acoustic comfort in relation to different perspectives. The current body of knowledge still needs more research on specific health effects of buildings on occupants in order to augment existing standards and guidelines. Literature shows that there is a surge of awareness that the buildings we utilize have a tremendous hold on our health and life quality. In the future a shift in mindset and practice is essential to ensure further advancement in the construction industry.KeywordsHealthy building designIndoor environmental qualityBuilt environmentGreen building