Session 7: Building physics and HVAC: different but complementary

A first question attendees from oversees may ask is: what is meant by building physics? In fact, the name is hardly used in the Anglo-Saxon and Roman countries. In Northern Europe instead, the indication building physics points to the discipline which covers all physical aspects of influence on building performance and building use. Three main fields of knowledge are involved: (1) heat and mass, (2) sound, (3) light. Energy for example belongs to the first. Room acoustics is part of the second. Day-lighting takes a big share in the third. In Germany, also fire safety is included in building physics. This is less the case in other countries. The fact that building physics covers heat and mass transfer, creates strong mutual relations with HVAC. In that respect, both disciplines are complementary, though different. Next paragraphs first highlight the differences and common interests, after which a glimpse is given of the actual trends and the way the conference papers fit into it.