The next generation of experientially realistic lab-based research: The University of Sydney's Indoor Environmental Quality Laboratory

Richard De Dear*, Ashak Nathwani, Christhina Cândido, Densil Cabrera

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

14 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

This article describes the University of Sydney's Indoor Environmental Quality Laboratory (IEQ Lab). This is a unique facility in which the building research community and the broader building sector can study how multiple factors comprising the indoor environment - including temperature, humidity, air movement, ventilation rates, air quality, day-lighting, artificial lighting, sound and acoustics - combine to affect human comfort, productivity and health. The IEQ Lab provides experientially realistic interior spaces in which samples of human subjects can be exposed to precisely controlled combinations of the key IEQ parameters. This facility aims to deliver research outcomes that are directly relevant to designers, building services engineers, property and facilities managers, and the cognate regulatory bodies. The IEQ Lab research findings will enhance sectoral capacity to provide innovative and sustainable, low-energy built environments that balance occupants expectations for quality against our obligations to substantively address climate change.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)83-92
Number of pages10
JournalArchitectural Science Review
Volume56
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Feb 2013
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

An erratum for this article exists in Achitectural Science Review, vol. 56, no. 1, p. 100. DOI: 10.1080/00038628.2013.779080

Keywords

  • climate chamber
  • flexibility
  • indoor environmental quality
  • thermal comfort

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