Auditorium Design and Occupants Comfort Evaluation

This article evaluates how solar radiation influences the thermal comfort of the occupants of an auditorium with circular geometry under winter conditions. The auditorium is divided into four amphitheatres of equal dimensions and glazed surfaces of equal dimensions are mounted throughout its outer envelope. The occupants’ thermal comfort is assessed by the Predicted Mean Vote index (PMV). The building thermal software used is based on two numerical models, the Circular Auditorium Geometry and the Circular Auditorium Thermal Modelling. The Circular Auditorium Geometry is based on geometric cylindrical coordinates. The Circular Auditorium Thermal Modelling evaluates, in a transient regime, the thermal response of the auditorium and thermal comfort provided to its occupants. Compartment ventilation is provided by mechanically ventilated outdoor air at an air renewal rate directly linked to the number of occupants. The incoming solar radiation in the two amphitheatres with the glazed surfaces facing north is low, while in the two amphitheatres with the glazed surfaces facing south, it is too high. Consequently, in general, the occupants’ thermal comfort level is unacceptable in north-facing amphitheatres for being too cold and in south-facing amphitheatres for being too hot. So, to ensure that the thermal comfort level of the occupants is acceptable, a strategy was implemented that consisted of adapting ventilation and the level of clothing during occupancy.