A method for determining and improving the visual comfort change in strengthened buildings: educational building-the example of classroom

Abstract

It is a known fact that the arrangements of the comfort conditions for physical environment elements light, sound, heat, etc. in the context of the function of the spaces and occupants characteristics contributes positively to the issues such as occupant's performance, health, and reduction of energy consumption. These arrangements should be realized both during the design of new buildings and renovation existing structures. One of the renovation procedures in an existing building is to restore the building back into service by strengthening the structural system damaged in the earthquake. The aim of the study can be summarized as proposing a method for determining and improving the visual comfort in buildings damaged by earthquake and renewed by strengthened the structural system, and in this context, determining the changes in the visual comfort conditions building whose structural system has been strengthened, and making some improvement suggestions. In line with this aim, in accordance with the proposed method, the lighting conditions of the building before and after the reinforcement in the classrooms, which are assumed to be typical of an existing education building, were examined and evaluated in the context of relevant standards, and then some improvement designs were made. The findings revealed that although the natural lighting conditions were more favorable before reinforcement in the examined building, it was generally not sufficient in terms of the standards in both cases, and new designs were made to meet the necessary conditions. Thus, the methods proposed in the study and the examination methods and suggestions used specifically for the classrooms will contribute to the creation of suitable conditions for visual comfort and energy efficiency in the spaces in the strengthened buildings.