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        <title>Frontiers in Built Environment | Indoor Environment section | New and Recent Articles</title>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/built-environment/sections/indoor-environment</link>
        <description>RSS Feed for Indoor Environment section in the Frontiers in Built Environment journal | New and Recent Articles</description>
        <language>en-us</language>
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        <pubDate>2026-05-13T07:40:58.578+00:00</pubDate>
        <ttl>60</ttl>
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        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbuil.2026.1814409</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbuil.2026.1814409</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Assessment of the architectural characteristics of student hostels and students’ well-being in higher education]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-05-08T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Aniefon Essien</author><author>Ebere Donatus Okonta</author><author>Eghosa Ekhaese</author><author>Daniel Babalola</author><author>Excel Michael</author>
        <description><![CDATA[The environment where students’ live highly influence their physical, mental, and social well-being, yet limited evidence exists on how hostel architecture affects well-being in Nigerian universities, where growing enrolment and weak maintenance culture often strain residential facilities. This study examines how key architectural features, room size, ventilation, lighting, spatial layout, privacy, sanitation, and communal areas, shape student well-being in Covenant University (CU) and Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), two institutions with contrasting ownership and management systems. A quantitative mixed-methods approach was employed, using structured questionnaires and systematic on-site observations. Data were collected from 155 randomly selected undergraduates, and instrument reliability was confirmed (Cronbach’s α = 0.82). Descriptive statistics, the Mann–Whitney U test, and ordinal logistic regression were used to compare perceptions and assess the influence of architectural characteristics on well-being. Findings revealed notable disparities in architectural performance and maintenance. Although natural lighting and basic comfort were generally adequate in both universities, significant deficiencies were observed in ventilation, acoustic comfort, sanitation, accessibility, and overall facility upkeep more pronounced in the public university hostels. Students reported that poor ventilation, deteriorating fixtures, and inadequate sanitation negatively affected their physical and mental wellbeing. While differences in perceptions between CU and OOU were not statistically significant, CU students expressed slightly more favourable views. Spatial planning and hostel amenities showed weak but meaningful predictive effects on wellbeing, suggesting that design quality contributes to comfort but is strongly moderated by maintenance culture, safety practices, and management efficiency. This study offers one of the first comparative, evidence-based analyses of hostel architecture and student wellbeing in Nigerian universities. It underscores the combined importance of design quality and consistent maintenance in creating healthier, more supportive residential environments.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbuil.2026.1801730</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbuil.2026.1801730</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Evaluating interior lighting as an indoor environmental quality component using virtual reality]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-04-14T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Review</category>
        <author>Mehdi Ghiai</author><author>Fariha Rashid</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Recent advancements in Virtual Reality (VR) in investigating indoor environmental quality (IEQ) research have established a critical approach to evaluate the impact of four environmental domains, such as indoor lighting, thermal comfort, air quality, and acoustic, on user experience and built environment performance. IEQ refers to the overall quality of the indoor environment as experienced by occupants. Virtual Reality (VR) as a powerful methodological tool for IEQ allows precise, repeatable manipulation of environmental variables in fully controlled immersive settings. These analyses, although informative, do not facilitate the comparison of the consequences of multiple design elements. Grounded in environmental theoretical frameworks, this research examines how VR facilitates replicable manipulation of environmental parameters while preserving perceptual realism. A structured search of Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar (2010–2025) identified 35 studies meeting predefined inclusion criteria on VR, interior lighting, and IEQ. Findings demonstrate that lighting simulations in a VR setting reliably reproduce effectiveness, productivity, performance, and behavioral responses observed in physical environments, validating VR as an ecologically credible platform for design and occupant research. Results typically show that higher illuminance levels (ILL) and specific correlated color temperature (CCT) have a significant interaction effect on attention. Despite rapid progress, VR-based IEQ research is constrained by limitations like sampling error, diversity, and transferability of the findings to real-world settings. The study concludes that VR-based IEQ research not only enhances experimental precision but also expands theoretical insight into human–environment interaction and offers a transformative path for design studies.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbuil.2026.1783466</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbuil.2026.1783466</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Climate-adaptive passive design for sustainable libraries: simulation and machine learning-based multi-objective optimisation of comfort, energy, and environmental performance]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-03-20T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Gizem Izmir Tunahan</author><author>Gonca Özer Yaman</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Library reading halls are critical environments where long-term user comfort must be balanced with stringent energy and carbon reduction goals. Passive design parameters-such as aspect ratio, façade configuration, window-to-wall ratio (WWR), and orientation-play a key role in shaping these outcomes, yet comprehensive cross-climatic evaluations remain limited. This study evaluates nearly 13,000 simulation scenarios across nine Köppen climate zones, varying plan geometry, façade configuration, WWR (10%–90%), and orientation. The methodological framework combines statistical effect analysis with explainable machine learning (XGBoost-SHAP) to identify dominant drivers, non-linear interactions, and critical thresholds. Multi-objective Pareto-based optimisation and robustness analysis are then employed to derive climate-responsive design strategies balancing thermal discomfort hours, total site energy use, and CO2 emissions. Results show that climate and WWR dominate performance, with façade configuration secondary and orientation and plan ratio context-dependent. Optimal outcomes clustered around mid-range WWR values (30%–40%), while very low and high ratios imposed performance penalties. Compact plans with single-sided façades generally favoured energy and CO2 reduction, whereas elongated plans with double-sided façades improved comfort. Optimisation confirmed the absence of a universal optimum but identified mid-range archetypes (WWR 40%–60%, single façades) that offer superior resilience against climatic uncertainty. The study provides actionable, climate-sensitive thresholds to guide early-stage design. For practice, it offers actionable rules for architects, while for policy, it supports climate-specific guidelines, such as enforceable upper WWR limits, mandatory shading in high-glazing scenarios, and the integration of optimisation methods into procurement processes. Beyond libraries, the framework demonstrates a transferable pipeline for climate-adaptive, low-carbon building design that aligns with international sustainability goals. While visual comfort is implicitly addressed through energy penalties for insufficient daylight, future research should extend this framework by integrating detailed glare and visual quality metrics to fully reconcile thermal resilience with user-centric lighting needs.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbuil.2025.1734945</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbuil.2025.1734945</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Integration of digital twins and machine learning for predictive maintenance using APAR method rules in non-residential buildings]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-03-03T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Haneen Rebhi Yousef Zabadi</author><author>Fitsum Asrat Zemedkun</author><author>Haidar Hosamo</author><author>Dimitrios Kraniotis</author>
        <description><![CDATA[IntroductionNon-residential buildings are major global energy consumers, and HVAC efficiency is therefore critical. Air Handling Units are central to indoor climate control but are prone to operational faults due to complex control dynamics. Current fault detection approaches often suffer from limited interpretability in machine learning models and limited flexibility in purely rule-based methods.MethodsWe developed a hybrid predictive maintenance framework that combines interpretable fault detection using Air-Handling Unit Performance Assessment Rules, adaptive fault classification and prediction using machine learning, and near-real-time monitoring through a digital twin interface. The framework was deployed on an AHU in a non-residential facility in Grimstad, Norway, using six months of operational data with more than 51,000 logged records.ResultsThe hybrid approach improved fault detection performance across both frequent and rare fault classes, achieving strong F1-scores and high recall for critical fault conditions. The digital twin component, integrated through pyRevit and a web-based dashboard, enabled near-real-time fault visualization and supported maintenance planning.DiscussionThe results indicate that combining expert-driven rules with machine learning and digital twin technology can deliver a practical, accurate, and scalable solution for predictive maintenance of AHUs. The framework supports the transition from reactive to intelligent building operations and can be adapted to similar non-residential contexts.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbuil.2026.1726776</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbuil.2026.1726776</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Evaluating workplace performance through post-occupancy evaluation: a case study of open-plan office buildings in Saudi Arabia]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-02-24T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Saleh Baharetha</author><author>I. Alhoutary</author><author>Mohammad A. Hassanain</author><author>Miram Ali</author><author>Mohamed Salah Ezz</author>
        <description><![CDATA[IntroductionOpen-plan office environments are widely implemented in contemporary workplace design due to their potential to enhance collaboration, flexibility, and spatial efficiency. Nevertheless, growing evidence indicates that such environments may adversely affect employees’ comfort, privacy, and overall performance, particularly within educational institutions. This study aims to evaluate the performance of open-plan office workplaces and assess their effectiveness in supporting employees’ productivity, comfort, and satisfaction within a Saudi Arabian educational context.MethodsA post-occupancy evaluation (POE) approach was adopted using a mixed-methods research design. Data collection methods included a structured questionnaire survey, semi-structured interviews with permanent occupants, and systematic walkthrough inspections. Drawing on an extensive review of relevant literature, a multicriteria performance evaluation framework comprising 39 technical, functional, and behavioral performance elements was developed. This framework was applied to a case study of open-plan office environments at Onaizah Colleges, Saudi Arabia.ResultsThe results reveal that occupants expressed general satisfaction with thermal comfort, visual comfort, office layout, workplace circulation, and opportunities for collaboration. Conversely, notable dissatisfaction was identified in relation to acoustic comfort, privacy, and the adequacy of workplace equipment. These deficiencies were found to have a negative impact on occupants’ concentration, sense of autonomy, and perceived productivity.DiscussionThis study contributes to the existing literature by presenting an integrated, user-centered POE framework for assessing open-plan office environments in educational buildings. The findings provide evidence-based insights that can support architects, designers, and facility managers in improving workplace performance and informing future design and operational decisions in similar institutional settings.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbuil.2025.1741763</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbuil.2025.1741763</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Harnessing daylight strategies for maximizing visual comfort in architectural design studios]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-02-24T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Mohammed Alhaji Mohammed</author>
        <description><![CDATA[IntroductionLighting quality in educational facilities impacts visual comfort, particularly in architectural design studios where drawing and drafting require optimal conditions. This study examines daylighting in a design studio located in Nigeria to improve visual comfort. MethodsThe research employed questionnaire surveys, full-scale illuminance measurements, and Dialux Evo-9.2 simulations, with measurements validated within an acceptable error margin of ≤20%. ResultsThe survey results showed that 72% of respondents found the lighting to be either too bright or dim, while 73% reported poor daylight distribution. Respondents agreed daylight was adequate near windows but insufficient at the center. Measurements confirmed illumination levels below the required 500 lux, averaging 54.36, 147.97, and 140.25 lux across the locations, validating an uneven distribution. Simulations showed that high-level windows and clerestory openings would improve illuminance levels. The optimal orientation had the longer side (the longer façade side with a greater proportion of openings) facing the southern hemisphere, yielding the highest illuminance. The Daylight Glare Probability (<0.3) and uniformity ratio (>0.4) were within acceptable limits.Discussion The study recommends practical strategies to enhance daylighting efficiency in design studios, ensuring visual comfort, energy conservation, and optimal learning environments for future studio planning and policy.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbuil.2026.1753144</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbuil.2026.1753144</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Working from home and indoor environmental quality: a transdisciplinary questionnaire design based on a Delphi study]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-02-11T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Miguel Ángel Navas-Martín</author><author>Pablo Meseguer Gancedo</author><author>Teresa Cuerdo-Vilches</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Telework has grown significantly in recent decades, driven particularly by the COVID-19 pandemic, which sparked interest in analysing the conditions under which it takes place, as it had never before been so widespread in such many countries. However, most studies emerged in an exceptional context, without comprehensively or on a large scale addressing the environmental conditions of home-based teleworking under normal circumstances. This study aimed to identify and reach consensus, through an expert panel, on criteria for assessing such conditions in the home, as well as to analyse users’ preferences, suitability, and satisfaction, by developing a robust questionnaire for its evaluation. A modified Delphi method was applied, involving two panels: specialists in the social sciences and in building sciences. Over four rounds, 18 social items and 59 construction-related items were gathered and refined, organised into four thematic blocks. Consensus was achieved through weighted scoring and the 75th percentile, resulting in a final questionnaire of 77 questions integrating both social and technical dimensions. For social science experts, variables such as educational level, occupation, and quality of digital devices were considered essential to understand the home teleworking experience. Experts in building physics and architecture prioritised general housing factors such as dwelling type, or tenure regime, whilst others resulted more specific, approaching IEQ, as lighting, thermal comfort, air quality, and acoustic insulation, besides ergonomics. The study also agreed on a definition of home-based teleworking, distinguishing it from other ways of remote work carried out in third-party locations—relevant, given that homes are not subject to the environmental regulations of traditional workplaces. Finally, and following data collection, the CHAMBER questionnaire yielded two validated constructs: Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ), reflecting perceived comfort related to environmental conditions and control, and Physical Adequacy, assessing the suitability of the workspace’s architectural and functional features. This dual approach differentiates experiential environmental quality from the structural adequateness of home-based teleworking settings. The questionnaire, either based on standards, official and nationwide surveys, and scientific literature, may be applied in other countries, contributing to future research and public policies aimed at improving the environmental quality of home-based teleworking, to integrate both human and physical environmental factors, for workers’ health and wellbeing.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbuil.2025.1655231</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbuil.2025.1655231</link>
        <title><![CDATA[The application of diffusive uptake rates of selected volatile organic compounds on tubes for investigating the air exchange rate in dwellings]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-02-11T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Ivan Hupka</author><author>Karel Jílek</author><author>Lukáš Kotík</author><author>Jan Lenk</author>
        <description><![CDATA[IntroductionThe specific geological bedrock in the Czech Republic causes one of the highest levels of radon exposure in the world. The current Czech National Action Plan, based on the WHO 2005 directive on the reduction of radon exposure in workplaces and homes, covers the monitoring of the non-exceedance of the reference level of 300 Bq m−3 in relevant buildings, including the determination of the average air exchange rate (AER). MethodsA dual-tracer source–sorbent tube system was designed to determine the average AER over the measurement period, ranging from a few days up to 1 month. This system aims to create a cost-effective method for application in houses on a national level. AER assessment and simultaneous radon gas measurements enable the estimation of the behavior of radon entry rate into the buildings. The system based on the use of multiple tracer gases also allows the estimation of inter-compartment airflows between individual floors of measured multi-story buildings. The average AER in a building is calculated from the known weight difference of the container filled with suitable volatile organic compounds (VOCs), the amount of the tracer adsorbed on a tube determined by a gas chromatography system, the temperature, time exposure in a dwelling, and the uptake rate for specific sorbent and VOC tracer.ResultsThe total uncertainties of the AER measured in the field were around 15%, and the inter-compartment airflows, which were typically of the order of units of m3 h−1, ranged from 30% to 60%, with a coverage factor of k = 1. The exposure time influence in correlation with temperatureinfluence of the uptake rates for a PFT—Carbopack B™ systemwas assessed during measurement in the radon chamber.DiscussionThe main outcome of the method developed is to provide customers, from the relevant field of building and thermal engineering or indoor air and radiation hygiene, an independent result of the measurement of the AER which has a key influence on heat loss in buildings and the behavior of all indoor pollutants in gaseous and aerosol form.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbuil.2025.1686776</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbuil.2025.1686776</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Achieving sustainable architecture through the integration of vernacular natural ventilation principles into contemporary architecture design]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-02-11T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Hoda Ramezani</author><author>Ehsan Reza</author>
        <description><![CDATA[IntroductionVernacular architecture has long embodied climate-responsive strategies for natural ventilation and passive cooling; however, most existing studies remain descriptive or comparative and lack technically grounded pathways for integration into contemporary housing. This research addresses this gap by systematically reconstructing and reinterpreting vernacular ventilation principles for direct application in modern residential design. Focusing on Northern Cyprus as a climatically representative context, the study advances beyond theoretical discourse to demonstrate how traditional environmental knowledge can be operationalized within contemporary architectural practice.MethodsA mixed-method research approach is employed. First, a quantitative analysis of global climate classifications is conducted to identify their influence on vernacular architectural characteristics. Second, vernacular natural ventilation strategies are systematically categorized according to their structural, spatial, and functional roles. Third, selected strategies are adapted and integrated into contemporary residential housing models in Northern Cyprus. Environmental performance and spatial behavior are evaluated using digital tools and simulations, including Revit, INdex360, DepthmapX, and energy performance analyses, to assess airflow efficiency, thermal comfort, and energy consumption.ResultsThe findings demonstrate that vernacular ventilation strategies, when systematically reconstructed and technically adapted, can substantially reduce energy demand while improving indoor thermal comfort. Simulation results confirm enhanced natural airflow performance, reduced reliance on mechanical cooling, and improved spatial efficiency compared to conventional contemporary housing models. The integration framework effectively translates vernacular principles into measurable environmental benefits within modern design constraints.DiscussionThis study establishes a technically grounded framework for embedding vernacular ventilation knowledge into contemporary residential architecture. While rooted in the specific climatic and regulatory context of Northern Cyprus, the proposed model offers transferable insights for regions facing similar sustainability challenges. By positioning Northern Cyprus as a microcosm, the research highlights how localized vernacular intelligence can inform globally relevant, resilient housing solutions. The outcomes contribute to sustainable, health-oriented, and policy-informed architectural discourse and provide a foundational reference for the development of a future building code in Northern Cyprus.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbuil.2026.1683670</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbuil.2026.1683670</link>
        <title><![CDATA[The effect of indoor environment quality on productivity in oil painting art studios]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-01-22T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Rawan Majed Alherani</author><author>Saba Alnusairat</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Oil painting studios require optimal indoor environments to improve artist health and productivity. This experimental study employs a mixed-methods approach to investigate the influence of indoor environmental quality (IEQ) on the productivity of two oil painting art studios, which were chosen for their similar environmental conditions and layouts. However, both studios are different in terms of IEQ, including air quality, lighting, thermal conditions, and acoustics, allowing for a comparative analysis. The data collection includes field measurements, questionnaires, observations, and productivity assessments, which are analyzed using descriptive statistics and environmental assessments. The research is done through three phases: pre-painting assessments, observation during the painting stage, and post-painting evaluations. With Studio One exhibiting enhanced outcomes compared to Studio Two, the findings suggest that studios with more favorable indoor environmental conditions—particularly regarding ventilation, thermal stability, and lighting—are associated with improved comfort and shorter task completion times. However, the comparative nature of the study limits causal attribution. In addition to highlighting the broader implications of IEQ factors in the studio, this experimental study emphasizes the importance of enhancing indoor conditions in art studios to most likely support artist productivity and health.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbuil.2025.1736360</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbuil.2025.1736360</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Review on the generation, characteristics and control methods of indoor ozone pollution]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-01-08T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Review</category>
        <author>Jun Wang</author><author>Qi Wang</author><author>Tingting Wang</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Under the dual effects of outdoor ozone (O3) pollution intrusion and indoor pollution source generation, the formation mechanism, characterization, prevention and control methods of indoor O3 pollution have been one important scientific issue in the field of indoor air quality (IAQ) research. To have a systematic understanding of this issue, this study summarizes the trends and hotspots of indoor ozone pollution research, systematically reviews the sources, hazards, and characteristics of indoor ozone pollution and analyzes the different prevention and control methods of indoor ozone pollution, including active and passive ozone removal technologies. On this basis, the engineering applications of indoor ozone pollution prevention and control methods in residential, educational, and commercial scenarios are further discussed. Furthermore, the development trends and technical challenges of indoor ozone pollution prevention and control are pointed out. The development of efficient and low-cost ozone removal materials, the optimization of intelligent monitoring systems, and integrated pollution control strategies adapted to climate change should be focused on in the future, in order to provide healthier and safer indoor air environment. The insights could inform designers, engineers, and policymakers seeking to integrate ozone-responsive strategies into building ventilation, material selection, IAQ management, and air-cleaning systems.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbuil.2025.1747750</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbuil.2025.1747750</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Research on the multi-objective optimization of energy consumption and indoor environment: a case study of residential structures in hot-summer and cold-winter regions]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-01-08T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Mingyan Zhang</author><author>Jia Song</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Balancing the relationship between building energy consumption and the health performance of the indoor environment has emerged as a crucial scientific issue for the sustainable development of residential buildings. Drawing upon existing regulations and standards, this paper employs the building energy use intensity (EUI) as an indicator of energy consumption and systematically selects four key parameters, namely, the thermal - humidity environment, light environment, sound environment, and air quality, as evaluation indices for indoor health and comfort. A comprehensive quantitative evaluation method for the health performance of the indoor environment is developed. Taking a residential building in Nanjing as a case study, a multi - objective optimization model is established based on the energy consumption and health performance of the indoor environment to attain the dual objectives of minimizing the EUI and maximizing the level of health and comfort. The optimization results indicate that the building EUI index is notably reduced by 1.96%–6.41%, and the duration of indoor environmental health and comfort is extended by 13–117 h. Based on these results, optimal solutions highlighting different optimization objectives can be selected for diverse groups of people with varying requirements.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbuil.2025.1672543</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbuil.2025.1672543</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Monitoring microclimatic conditions in classrooms of various school types. a Slovak case study]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-01-07T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Ivana Turekova</author><author>Michal Cabaj</author><author>Iveta Markova</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Schools operate in existing buildings owned by cities and municipalities, encompassing various building types. This paper presents results of microclimatic measurements in selected classrooms located in two distinct building types: a 19th century manor house and a school building from the 1960s. The measured parameters were temperature, relative humidity (RH), and CO2 concentration. The position of the measuring device within the room did not appreciably influence the recorded values. Simultaneously, a strong effect of natural ventilation on CO2 concentration was demonstrated. Building type did not materially affect the observed parameters. Notably, CO2 concentrations during lessons exceeded the recommended limit of 1,000 ppm and did not decrease to ambient outdoor levels.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbuil.2025.1689230</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbuil.2025.1689230</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Influence of implementation of salutogenic strategies in beverage factory buildings on the meaningfulness of workers]]></title>
        <pubdate>2025-12-23T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Adedapo A. Oluwatayo</author><author>Fabian D. Apav</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Amid growing global concerns over employee mental health in high-demand industrial sectors, this study examines how salutogenic design strategies influence workers’ sense of meaningfulness within beverage factory environments. Anchored in Aaron Antonovsky’s Salutogenic Model, particularly the Sense of Coherence concept, the research explores how selected architectural features such as natural lighting, greenery, quiet rooms, and ergonomic furniture, affect workers’ perception of purpose and emotional engagement at work. Using a quantitative case study design across three beverage factories in Nigeria, data were analysed through descriptive and inferential statistics to evaluate the predictive relationship between design features and perceived meaningfulness. The results show a weak but positive relationship (R = 0.364, R2 = 0.132), with ergonomic furniture and quiet spaces contributing the most to workers’ wellbeing, though overall effects were statistically modest. The study’s novelty lies in extending salutogenic theory into industrial architecture, a field where human-centered design has been largely overlooked. Findings emphasize that while spatial interventions can support wellbeing, meaningfulness in factory settings also depends on organisational culture and social support systems. The research contributes to the emerging discourse on health-promoting industrial environments, offering insights for architects, employers, and policymakers seeking to align workplace design with sustainable wellbeing goals.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbuil.2025.1678438</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbuil.2025.1678438</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Effects of classroom temperature and humidity on student learning performance: an experimental study using sensor-based monitoring]]></title>
        <pubdate>2025-12-19T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Gokhan Kirkil</author>
        <description><![CDATA[This study investigates the relationship between classroom thermal environment and student learning performance in a controlled university setting using Arduino-based temperature and humidity sensors. The experiment was conducted over 2 weeks with 53 undergraduate students at controlled temperatures of 20 °C and 27 °C. Results demonstrate significant correlations between student thermal satisfaction, GPA, and learning outcomes. Multiple regression analysis reveals that thermal environment satisfaction and student GPA together account for 23.15% of the variance in student grades (p < 0.001). Students reporting higher thermal satisfaction achieved better exam performance and maintained higher motivation levels. The study employed a 5-point Likert scale questionnaire to assess thermal perception and learning motivation. While limitations include the absence of mean radiant temperature measurements and short study duration, findings suggest that maintaining optimal classroom thermal conditions (20 °C–22 °C) is crucial for academic performance. The sensor-based monitoring system proved effective for real-time thermal environment assessment in educational settings.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbuil.2025.1696702</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbuil.2025.1696702</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Decentralized intelligence in SBs: Federated LSTM-powered digital twins for sustainability]]></title>
        <pubdate>2025-12-10T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Prabhu Rajaram</author><author>Gnana Swathika O. V.</author>
        <description><![CDATA[IntroductionThe rapid growth of intelligent, data-driven building automation systems presents significant challenges in terms of data privacy, scalability, and heterogeneity across distributed environments. Conventional centralized machine learning approaches require sensitive sensor data to be aggregated in a central server, which raises serious privacy concerns and limits real-time responsiveness. To overcome these issues, this study introduces a unified framework that integrates Federated Learning (FL) and Digital Twin (DT) technologies for privacy-preserving, real-time occupancy detection in smart building systems.MethodsThe proposed framework employs a Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) model to capture temporal patterns in multivariate time-series data collected from environmental sensors. Model training is conducted collaboratively across distributed client devices using the Federated Averaging (FedAvg) algorithm, ensuring that raw data never leaves local devices. A personalized fine-tuning stage is incorporated to improve model performance under non-identically distributed (non-IID) data conditions and to enhance local adaptability. The trained model is deployed within a Streamlit-based digital twin platform to enable real-time visualization of occupancy states, sensor behavior, and model predictions, including rolling forecasts, confidence estimates, and error diagnostics.ResultsThe integrated FL–DT framework enables accurate and privacy-preserving occupancy detection across distributed environments while maintaining scalability and adaptability. Personalized fine-tuning significantly enhances local prediction performance and robustness under heterogeneous data conditions. The digital twin interface provides continuous situational awareness through live visualization and analytics, supporting timely decision-making and system-level transparency.DiscussionThe results demonstrate that combining federated temporal learning with digital twin technology effectively addresses privacy, scalability, and operational challenges in smart building systems. Beyond improving occupancy detection, the framework enables proactive energy management and interpretability through interactive system monitoring. This integrated approach contributes toward the deployment of scalable, secure, and sustainability-aware smart building infrastructures.]]></description>
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        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbuil.2025.1690062</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbuil.2025.1690062</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Hybrid models for simulating indoor temperature distribution in air-conditioned spaces]]></title>
        <pubdate>2025-11-20T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Boris Huljak</author><author>Juan A. Acero</author><author>Zin H. Kyaw</author><author>Francisco Chinesta</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Air conditioning systems play a vital role in enhancing thermal comfort for building occupants in hot climates. However, their high energy consumption and impact on outdoor air temperatures highlight the need for intelligent, fast, and real-time information systems to ensure sustainable operation. In this study, we evaluate the performance of various models in simulating the thermal and airflow dynamics of a room regulated by an Air Conditioning (A/C) system. Three modelling approaches are examined: a state-of-the-art Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model using OpenFOAM, a physics-based surrogate model utilizing Model Order Reduction techniques, and a hybrid model that combines the surrogate approach with a correction term based on real-time, on-site measurements. The results indicate that while both the CFD and surrogate models perform well overall, they fail to capture localized airflow features that in the measuring points are accurately predicted by the hybrid model. These findings highlight the potential of advanced data-driven models, particularly hybrid approaches, for the intelligent and sustainable management of building environments.]]></description>
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        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbuil.2025.1688582</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbuil.2025.1688582</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Data-driven environments: Evaluating IoT sensors and KNX protocol for monitoring indoor conditions in educational facilities]]></title>
        <pubdate>2025-11-12T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Tania Rus</author><author>Raluca Paula Moldovan</author><author>Carmen Maria Mârza</author><author>Georgiana Corsiuc</author><author>Dana-Adriana Iluţiu-Varvara</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Educational institutions face a growing challenge in creating indoor environments that support both student wellbeing and operational efficiency. This case study, conducted within two university classrooms at the Technical University of Cluj-Napoca, Romania, assesses the reliability of a smart building system deployed to monitor indoor parameters. The system, which features integrated wall-mounted Internet of Things (IoT) sensors communicating via the KNX protocol, is evaluated by benchmarking its performance to that of a professional monitor instrument (Testo 400). The methodology involved a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative data from the KNX-based automation network and Testo 400 monitor with qualitative feedback from occupants on thermal comfort, humidity, and indoor air quality. While a systematic offset was observed, with the professional monitor yielding higher readings, the KNX system demonstrated notable consistency. The statistical analysis revealed a strong Pearson’s correlation (up to 0.98, p < 0.001) for CO2 and relative humidity, followed by temperature (up to 0.97). Despite successful thermal comfort maintenance, indoor air quality emerged as a significant concern due to CO2 levels frequently indicating severe ventilation deficiencies. Comparative analysis showed minimum CO2 concentrations fell into EN 16798–1:2019 Category II/III, while maximum concentrations exceeded both Category IV (Red rating) and the ASHRAE 62.1–2022 threshold. Beyond validating KNX’s reliability for indoor environmental quality monitoring in this specific context, this case study highlights the critical need for ventilation system upgrades in higher education to effectively control high CO2 concentrations and foster healthier learning environments.]]></description>
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        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbuil.2025.1652527</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbuil.2025.1652527</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Indoor environmental quality to ensure the health and wellbeing of vulnerable people in residential buildings: a systematic review]]></title>
        <pubdate>2025-11-07T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Review</category>
        <author>Mar Hernandez-Martin</author><author>Fernando Del Ama Gonzalo</author><author>Roberto Alonso González-Lezcano</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Indoor environmental quality (IEQ) is an essential topic nowadays due to its direct impact on occupant health and wellbeing. Most research, however, has focused on commercial and workspace typologies, leaving residential buildings underexplored. Importantly, the effects of IEQ are not experienced uniformly across all populations. Age-related changes and cognitive function, in particular, significantly influence how occupants experience indoor environments. This makes infants and older adults and/or with disabilities especially vulnerable. Understanding these parameters is crucial to designing comfortable, healthy, and inclusive buildings for all user profiles. This review aimed to document research on IEQ, particularly concerning vulnerable populations in residential building typologies. The findings revealed how different vulnerable groups (children, elderly people, pregnant women, and people with disabilities) are affected by the main IEQ domains (thermal, air quality, lighting, acoustics). On the one hand, this relationship is essential for adopting healthy habits when using buildings as users, and on the other, for methods, factors, and strategies to consider and apply when designing healthy and inclusive buildings as architects, designers, and engineers. The quality of the indoor environment must be considered throughout the entire life cycle of a building, from decisions in the initial design stages to its maintenance.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbuil.2025.1707371</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbuil.2025.1707371</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Investigating lighting calibration opportunities in virtual reality for real-world illumination fidelity: an empirical study of variable lighting arrangements]]></title>
        <pubdate>2025-10-28T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Rohit Kumar</author><author>Debayan Dhar</author><author>Palash Ghosh</author><author>Keyur Sorathia</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Virtual reality (VR) offers transformative potential for human behavioral studies by enabling controlled simulations of complex environments. Accurate replication of real-world conditions, however, remains critical, particularly for lighting studies that require high precision and reliable data extraction. This study investigates discrepancies in light distribution across typical lighting configurations and develops predictive models to mitigate these variations while identifying practical constraints. Illumination differences between real-world measurements, DIALux evo simulations, and VR environments were examined empirically. Multiple linear regression with interaction terms was then used to develop predictive models for one-, two-, and four-luminaire configurations on horizontal and vertical planes, based on 100 test points per plane in a controlled room. Model validation included cross-space application and residual analysis using an additional dataset of 60 test points per plane collected in a separate room with a similar lighting setup. Statistical analysis revealed 53%–88% differences in illumination intensity across configurations. The predictive models effectively reduced discrepancies on the horizontal plane and were optimized for linear, low-intensity lighting, while highlighting the need for further investigation into vertical illumination and complex luminaire arrangements. Future work involving non-linear or advanced computational approaches could enhance model accuracy for irregular lighting distributions in VR. These findings have practical implications for VR-based lighting studies, building performance simulations, and virtual illumination design.]]></description>
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