The Architecture Studio of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM): Has the Indoor Environmental Quality Standard Been Achieved?

Abstract

Studio-based learning is a shared learning environment in which ambiguous problems are addressed. This paper primarily focused on the lightings at the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)’s architecture studio and to find out whether it had achieved the Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ). A good design, involving a space in a building, requires sufficient daylight in order to perform a task. This can be achieved by providing enough means to let in diffused light from the sky, yet keeping out direct light from the sun to prevent heat gain and glare. The purpose of this research was to identify the importance of the IEQ in creating conducive studio-based learning environment. The IEQ is crucial for a learning institution since indoor environment factors can actually affect human comfort, health and productivity. Lighting is most important to students as high-quality lighting will improve students’ moods, behavior, concentration, and consequently, their learning. However, the effectiveness of learning in a studio cannot be fully achieved if the IEQ is being overlooked. Presently, artificial lights are being used most of the time in the UKM architecture studios in order to optimize students’ vision and comfort. Using an equipment, named LM-8100, and supported by a questionnaire survey to gauge the lighting comfort level from the students’ perspective, a lighting reading was taken for a duration of 10-hours for three days in the UKM third year architecture studio. The finding showed that the lighting setting is not within the range of the Malaysian Code of Practice on Indoor Air Quality (IAQ). However, the students have perceived it as normal and thus, the situation does not hinder them to stay long inside their studio. This situation will affect the students’ ability to perceive visual stimuli in the short-term and health, in terms of students' vision, in the long run

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