User Perception of Natural Ventilation Strategy at Inpatient Ward, Kuala Kangsar Hospital

Abstract

Hospitals and healthcare facilities are known to be among the most energyintensive buildings. This concern has resulted in a resurgence of sustainability awareness in the built environment. Nowadays, many have adopted environmental strategies such as natural ventilation. It offers a low-cost alternative to remove stale air and replace fresh air efficiently through cross ventilation. Studies have shown that natural ventilation is one of the most energyefficient solutions to improve thermal comfort and hospitals and healthcare facilities will greatly benefit from this initiative. Passive Design has been valued as a key strategy in controlling airborne infection, especially in hospital wards with limited resources. Comparatively, the installation of ceiling-mounted mechanical fans will create a negative ventilation pressure difference. This paper explores the potential of the passive design method based on the experience of inpatient ward users. The study utilised questionnaires based on the end user's experience in a naturally ventilated inpatient ward area. The survey administration method ensures the 51 respondents’ anonymity is preserved especially in a healthcare setting. This investigation shows that natural ventilation provides a higher ventilation rate and is more energy-efficient than mechanical ventilation. Therefore, natural ventilation is a suitable solution in public buildings such as hospitals' inpatient wards. The outcome of this study will be paramount for designers to meet passive design objectives. Consequently, these will be the guidelines and outline information for hospital design in the future.