Comparative Study on Thermal Sensation and Skin Temperature Passing Different Transitional Spaces with or without Air-Conditioning in a Shopping Mall

Abstract

What is the difference between the thermal sensation and skin temperature in transitional spaces with or without air-conditioning? Is it necessary to have intensive air-conditioning in transitional spaces of southern China? In order to answer these questions, this paper presents a comparative study performed in a selected shopping mall with two transitional spaces–one with air-conditioning, the other without. The results show that the thermal sensation and skin temperature is different due to the presentation of air-conditioning. It also indicates that air- conditioning for the transitional spaces is needed in southern China. Meanwhile, the study involves continuous measurements of the skin temperature of twenty students while they simultaneously filled out a questionnaire. When subjects passing these two transitional spaces, different skin temperatures and its variation rates result in inconsistent thermal sensation. However, there was a linear relationship between the thermal sensation and the variation rate of mean skin temperature was obtained. These findings can provide valuable information for a good guide to air-conditioning design in transitional spaces.