The investigation of thermal adaptation in apartments in hot and dry climate: A study on thermal comfort and thermal behavior in apartments in Shiraz

Based on the thermal adaptation concept, an individual adaptation at physiological, psychological, and behavioral levels can be effective in providing residential thermal comfort, consuming energy, and designing building. The present study was, therefore, aimed to investigate the thermal adaptation in residential apartments of Shiraz, Iran by determining thermal comfort range, priority of thermal behavior, and causes of thermal dissatisfaction of the residents.

The quantitative research method was performed by using the survey of thermal comfort, behavioral priority, and thermal dissatisfaction factors. The correlation between the variables was then, analyzed. Thermal adaptation was further investigated through analytical and inferential methods.

While thermal comfort range was found to be higher than the international standards, 45% of the respondentchr('39')s dissatisfaction was reported to be due to the lack of proper climatic design. Both clothes change and cooling system use as the first, and opening the windows as the second priorities of thermal behavior in hot season. Drawing curtains, closing doors and windows, and clothes change, however, were the respective priorities in winter, which vindicates the priority of using passive approaches in cold season. The effect of season on both behavior and reactive behavior were further investigated.

The higher thermal comfort range and neutral temperature found in comparison to those reported in standards, as well as the study of either reactive or interactive behaviors and seasonal habits of residents vindicated the individualschr('39') thermal adaptation. Using aforementioned items in building design has significant effects on improving thermal comfort and reducing energy consumption.