Thermal performance in apartment buildings:

comparison between users' perception and in situ measurements

Abstract

The article presents results from the research project “[DIGITAL POE SYSTEM] Digital interfaces for post-occupancy evaluation of environmental quality in housing”, which evaluated the environmental quality and the energy efficiency of occupied residential apartments, using the web application “MEU APÊ” In addition to the app-based analysis, temperature and humidity measurements were conducted throughout the year in some units from the pilot case study to compare with residents’ perceptions. The results indicate that thermal comfort perception is strongly influenced by physical aspects of the building, such as solar orientation and natural ventilation, as well as residents’ sociodemographic characteristics. The integration of objective data (measurements) and subjective data (users’ perception) highlights the importance of architectural solutions that consider the diversity of resident profiles. The study reinforces the need for more inclusive and adaptive approaches in both post-occupancy evaluations and the design of housing projects, aiming at thermally comfortable and energy-efficient developments.