Post occupancy evaluation of indoor environmental quality of sports buildings at hot and humid climate from the perspective of exercisers

Abstract

This study conducted a post occupancy evaluation (POE) of indoor environmental quality of five sports buildings in hot and humid climatic conditions. The objective was to investigate their indoor environmental quality in terms of public use. Objective environmental indicators like thermal environment, acoustic environment, light environment, and indoor air quality and 324 exercisers' valid responses to a subjective survey questionnaire were examined. The results found that air temperature and relative humidity in the sports buildings was high, with the average value of 31.6 °C and 68.5%, respectively. The exercisers found the thermal environment to be the least dissatisfying, with dissatisfaction rates of 22.6%, 21.9%, and 11.9% for temperature, air velocity, and relative humidity, respectively. Additionally, multiple linear regression indicated that thermal environment and the corresponding satisfaction were critical requirements affecting the indoor environmental quality. Moreover, the survey results of objective and subjective indicators were not simple linear correspondences but were affected by the interaction of indicators. Furthermore, the satisfaction values and range of objective indicators based on subjective satisfaction deviated from the relevant standards, primarily due to physical activities, sports building façade types, and regional climate. This study enhances knowledge about post occupancy evaluation of indoor environmental quality in naturally ventilated sports buildings. It could offer potent guidance to improve control and regulation of indoor environmental quality, thus contributing toward exercisers’ satisfaction and comfort.