This is an accepted manuscript of an article published by Emerald in International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation on 17/04/2020, available online at: https://doi.org/10.1108/IJBPA-11-2019-0098
The accepted manuscript may differ from the final published version.Purpose: The impact of thermal comfort in educational buildings continues to be
of major importance in both the design and construction phases. Given this, it is
also equally important to understand and appreciate the impact of design decisions
on post-occupancy performance, particularly on staff and students. This study aims
to present the effect of IEQ on teachers��� performance. This study would provide
thermal environment requirements to BIM-led school refurbishment projects.
Design: This paper presents a detailed investigation into the direct impact of
thermal parameters (temperature, relative humidity and ventilation rates) on
teacher performance. In doing so, the research methodological approach combines
explicit mixed-methods using questionnaire surveys and physical measurements of
thermal parameters to identify correlation and inference. It was conducted through
a single case study using a technical college based in Saudi Arabia. Findings:
Findings from this work were used to develop a model using an Artificial Neural
Network to establish causal relationships. Research findings indicate an optimal
temperature range between 23��C and 25��C, with a 65% relative humidity and
0.4m/s ventilation rate. This ratio delivered optimum results for both comfort and
performance
