Observational Methodology
We perform climate and weather analysis and predictions using statistical analysis techniques based on static and adaptive comfort models. This methodology seeks the analysis and visualization of climatic data for bioclimatic design recommendations, heating and cooling degree calculations, climate change predictions, and comfort assessment based on outdoor weather data sets. The SBD lab has a rich library of old and recent worldwide weather datasets that allows us to cross it with solar and topographical satellite data to characterize and classify climate-responsive guidelines.
Also, we believe there is incredible value in monitoring and questioning occupants in their natural habitat so that lessons can be learned about comfort and user interaction. We collect long-term data to develop statistically significant relationships between various inputs (e.g., time of day, carbon dioxide concentration, solar conditions, etc.) and adaptive occupant actions (e.g., window opening and closing, thermostat use). We perform qualitative and quantitative assessments of occupants’ thermal comfort in the built environment. We assess the feasibility of applying EN 16798 and ASHRAE 55 standards for fully air-conditioned and free-running buildings. Also, we can develop novel adaptive comfort models that better reflect the inhabitants’ needs and socio-economic culture. Extensive monitoring of occupants and/or extensive user survey questionnaires in existing buildings are used to assess occupants’ behavior and satisfaction.
Examples
- Ruellan, G., Cools, M., & Attia, S. (2021). Analysis of the determining factors for the renovation of the Walloon residential building stock. Sustainability, 13(4), 2221.
- Attia, S., Hamdy, M., Ezzeldin, S., (2017) Twenty-year tracking of lighting savings and power density in the residential sector, Energy and Buildings, Volume 154, 24 August 2017, Pages 113-126, ISSN 0378-7788, 24 August 2017, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enbuild.2017.08.041.
- Attia, S., & Carlucci, S. (2015) Impact of different thermal comfort models on zero energy residential buildings in hot climate, Energy and Buildings, Volume 102, 1 September 2015, Pages 117-128, ISSN 0378-7788, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.enbuild.2015.05.017. 3.
- Roshan, Gh.R., Almomenin, H.S., da Silveira Hirashima, S.Q., Attia,S. (2019) Estimate of outdoor thermal comfort zones for different climatic regions of Iran, Journal of Urban Climate, Vol. 27, March 2019, Pages 8-23. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.uclim.2018.10.005
- Roshan, Gh.R., Farrokhzad, M., Attia,S. (2017) Defining thermal comfort boundaries for heating and cooling demand estimation in Iran's urban settlements, Building and Environment, 121, 168-189, ISSN: 0360-1323, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2017.05.023.
- Kumar Singh, M., Attia, S., Mahapatra, S. & Teller, J. (2016) Assessment of thermal comfort in existing pre-1945 residential building stock, Energy, 98, 122-134, ISSN 0360-5442, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2016.01.030.
