How pandemic affects occupants’ buildings perception: questionnaires investigation and preliminary results

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the living habits all over the world. Countries experienced multiple lockdowns, causing offices, restaurants, school and almost all the economic activities to close. The saying “stay home stay safe”, to which we were invited for preventing the virus spread, and the rise of smart-working, lead to an exponential increase in the time spent in our homes. In this sense, the way to live our homes has changed. Spaces and rooms that (before pandemic) were occupied for just a few hours a day, have become the main places for studying, working, playing or even have fitness. More than ever, people had to face the energy related problems of their house: air leakages, energy losses, expensive billings, and thermal discomfort. This study arises from considerations on buildings use after the pandemic, and it addresses the consequences of COVID-19 to building perception. Anonymous questionnaires were proposed broad wide, asking through a multi-stage survey to compare the feeling before and after the pandemic, also in comparison to the billing of the energy carriers. Results have been analysed, showing how the pandemic has changed the living perception.