ABSTRACT
In this work, we investigated occupant’s thermal disposition in mixed-mode offices. Thermal disposition can be described as a person’s self-assessment of his/her own thermal sensitivity. Classic field studies on thermal comfort were conducted in mixed-mode offices located in Florianópolis (Brazil). Occupants manually controlled the mixed-mode strategy through the operation of both operable windows and unitary air-conditioning system for cooling. Occupants were asked to assess their thermal perception through a questionnaire, while air temperature, globe temperature, air velocity and relative humidity were measured in situ. Statistical analysis was performed grouping and comparing the data according to occupant’s thermal disposition. Thermal disposition was also investigated according to gender, age, body mass index and prior exposure to air-conditioning in relation to thermal discomfort. Results indicated that there was an agreement between thermal sensation and thermal disposition, i.e. occupants who were more sensitive to heat had a higher thermal sensation under equivalent thermal conditions and vice versa. Results from this study have shown an interesting way of categorising occupants according to their thermal disposition, which could be used to improve the design and operation of indoor spaces, personalised conditioning systems and the mixed-mode strategy, increasing the resilience of buildings in the face of climate change.
