The Crown Re-Viewed: Reflections on Student Thermal Satisfaction in IIT Crown Hall

Abstract

Historic buildings are confronted by two key challenges: the increased concern for energy reduction and the need for providing occupant thermal comfort. Yet, the challenge is often to find a balance between improving energy efficiency and meeting thermal comfort standards while maintaining the building’s architectural values. A significant percentage of energy consumption in buildings is used to meet thermal comfort needs through heating and cooling systems. In an attempt to address this topic on our own campus, we conducted a field survey in IIT’s iconic Crown Hall to measure indoor thermal environmental parameters and collect responses to user thermal comfort questionnaires. The building design has inspired innovation and technologies for building materials since its construction; however, anecdotal evidence has suggested that more can be done to ensure that this inspiring space can meet the thermal comfort needs of occupants. To expand on this, physical measurements and user subjective surveys were collected simultaneously on November 7, 2018. The specific time period was selected representing a typical winter day in Chicago with cloudy sky and outdoor temperature ranging between -3°C and 3°C. The subjective survey investigated students’ thermal sensation, thermal satisfaction, and perceived level of productivity using the 7-point scale developed by Fanger (1970). The findings of the survey were compared with the results of the field measurements, including outdoor temperature, indoor temperature, and indoor relative humidity, and assessed based on the compliance with ASHRAE thermal comfort standards. Results showed that the students, who are also the main users of the space, expressed dissatisfaction with their thermal environment. Results can be used to inform further innovative solutions in the space to improve comfort.