Unsolicited complaints from 23,500 occupants in 690 commercial buildings were examined with regard to absolute and relative frequency of complaints, temperatures at which thermal sensation complaints (too hot or too cold) occurred, and response times and actions. The analysis shows that thermal sensation complaints are the single most common complaint of any type and that they are the overwhelming majority of environmental complaints.

This paper presents general guidance on designing for thermal comfort in combined chilled ceiling/displacement ventilation environments. Thermal comfort measurements involving 184 human subjects were carried out in a laboratory- based test room, constructed to resemble a normal office and equipped with a combined chilled ceiling and wallmounted displacement ventilation system.

Typical HVAC noise may produce an uncomfortable environment, leading to the associated problems of general dissatisfaction and reduced productivity. It is not sufficient to have good thermal, lighting, and air cleanliness conditions if the noise is disturbing. In this paper, noise comfort is considered, with special emphasis on the developing criteria for low-frequency noise.

Emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from materials is traditionally determined from tests carried out in small-scale test chambers. Howeyer, a difference in scale may lead to a difference in the measured emission rate in a small-scale test chamber and the actual emission rate in a full-scale ventilated room when the emission is fully or partly evaporation controlled.

The Field and Laboratory Emission Cell (FLEC) is a tool for non-destructive emission testing of materials with even surfaces. Measurement of air velocities inside the cell showed an inhomogenous flow field with a high-velocity area around the inlet axis and an area of comparatively low air velocities perpendicular to the inlet axis. These results suggest that punctual emission sources may lead to different VOC-concentrations depending on the position of the source.

The moonlike landscape and the heat of the site suggested us the creation of an oasis open to the northern cool breaths from the Northeast and to close our house toward the sun and torrid winds from the South. That's how the idea of a curved wall embracing the house and a patio was born, recalling ancient stone protections for vineyards. · We transformed the stone wall into a complex element, forming a natural air-conditioning chamber which works as a breeze catcher and due to the design of it's different elements, regulates the interior climate of the house.