The Influence of Daylight Availability on Thermal Comfort in Classroom Environments

Abstract

Daylight is not just an illuminating source for building interiors, but it is also a force that influences thermal comfort. Despite extensive research on daylight and thermal comfort, there remains a significant gap in understanding how these factors affect human behaviour. This study aims to understand how daylight influences not only aesthetic and energy-saving purposes but also individuals' thermal perception and comfort goes beyond, holding critical significance for design and planning decisions that shape modern living spaces. This study investigates the impact of daylight on thermal comfort in a classroom environment by collecting thermal responses through observations and measurements. Limitations of the study include a small sample size and the use of mobile phones to measure indoor air quality and comfort levels. Behavioural responses to daylight levels measured through a mobile application were observed, revealing that the impact of daylight on thermal comfort is not entirely independent but shaped by participants' perceptions and behaviours. Future research should increase the reliability and validity of findings by using larger sample sizes and specialized measurement tools.