A field study of thermal comfort in transitional spaces in buildings in Cardiff, UK

Transitional spaces are the spaces influenced by the outdoor climate and yet are architecturally bounded by a building envelope. It can be argued that because these spaces are neither fully outside nor inside they create unique environmental conditions that may result in different expectations and perceptions of thermal comfort by those who use them. This paper presents findings from field surveys conducted in two transitional spaces in two different public buildings during the summer in Cardiff, UK. The results suggest that occupants have a higher thermal tolerance in transitional spaces in buildings, and occupants report obviously different levels of satisfaction with thermal conditions in two same service system transitional spaces in summer. This has implications for energy conservation. The findings clarify the relationship between thermal environment and specific character of transitional spaces in buildings.