Crafting Spaces: The Pursuit of Sustainable Comfort.
As the temperature drops in Melbourne and we transition into the winter season, it's a good time to consider how our efforts to create comfortable spaces place us at the crossroads of practicality and science. It is clear that technological solutions alone will not provide comfort, especially in a decarbonising world, so we must delve into the complexities of human interaction with our environment. By focusing on elements such as thermal regulation and airflow dynamics, we can create environments that not only meet standards but also elicit profound well-being.
Understanding what thermal comfort means to you is essential in this pursuit. It goes beyond simply regulating the temperature and into the realm of making people feel comfortable. Radiation, conduction, convection, and evaporation all play a role in regulating body heat. Furthermore, understanding the subtle demands of human physiology and tailoring our designs accordingly can significantly reduce the likelihood of people feeling uncomfortable. To accomplish this, architects and clients must engage in meaningful dialogue, ensuring that designs reflect their individual desires and needs. It's time to shift our focus from simply meeting regulations to prioritising spaces that truly feel like home.
The human body functions similarly to a heat engine, releasing excess heat to maintain function and transferring heat based on temperature differences. One goal during design is to determine the thermal comfort of the future occupants. While air temperature (convection) is commonly used to measure the space where the thermostat is located, Mean Radiant Temperature (MRT) is a more useful measure because it is specific to the individual's immediate environment. Furthermore, radiation is frequently responsible for 50% or more of heat loss from the body, with the exact amount lost depending on a variety of factors such as ambient conditions, garments, individual differences, and so on.
Radiant temperature emitted by elements of our building, such as a brick or glass wall, can then impede the body's ability to release energy because it can be significantly higher or lower than your skin's temperature. MRT provides a comprehensive perspective, taking into account not only air temperature but also the temperature of surrounding surfaces and their distance from individuals. This dynamic is critical; as one moves away from these surfaces, their thermal experience changes accordingly.
Unlike traditional thermostats, which frequently fail to detect nuances such as drafts or humidity, MRT offers a more personalised assessment. Ignoring this can have serious consequences because it fails to accurately reflect the comfort needs of occupants. By embracing MRT and prioritising designs that take into account its implications, we can tailor environments to individual comfort levels, ensuring optimal well-being and satisfaction.
Unfortunately, building codes typically operate in a pass or fail environment. They ensure that occupants do not become ill as a result of thermal discomfort, but they frequently overlook true thermal comfort, which is achieved through complex physiological processes such as skin thermal receptors and the autonomic nervous system, which regulates body temperature. To achieve effective thermal comfort, human sciences and building sciences must be integrated, with a focus on inclosure performance and radiation rather than convection alone.
Codes that control air temperature allow for poor building envelopes, which are then controlled by air-based thermostats. While mathematically comfortable, most people do not describe modern Australian homes as thermally comfortable. The assumption is that most people want what the code specifies. However, the codes usually only give us a pass, or 50-60% of what we can do. You'll get a D-grade system. You will spend 3-4% on the home, and anything less than that will result in an F. If you want an A, you may have to spend a little more, but you will definitely have to think differently.
True comfort in space goes beyond temperature control; it's about creating environments that engage our senses while nurturing a spiritual sanctuary. The next step in human comfort is to consider the overall quality of the indoor environment, rather than just the HVAC system. This allows us to tailor environments to individual comfort levels, resulting in optimal well-being and satisfaction. It's time to abandon outdated metrics and embrace a more nuanced approach to creating comfort—one that truly prioritises the needs of those who use these spaces.
While technology holds promise, it also presents challenges. Wearable gadgets and advanced systems may be convenient, but they risk diverting attention away from important considerations. It is critical to use technology wisely, maximising its capabilities to improve both comfort and sustainability. Not to cover up fundamental design flaws. Designs that are simple and timeless contribute to a healthier planet for future generations.
Together, we can build structures that enrich our lives and the world around us. A vision of a future in which our habitats transcend their traditional roles and actively contribute to environmental well-being. With humility and determination, laying the foundation for a truly inspiring future—one thoughtful design at a time.