Measurement and Diagnosis of Comfort in a Historic Building

Małgorzata Fedorczak-Cisak (), Alicja Kowalska-Koczwara, Krzysztof Nering, Filip Pachla, Elżbieta Radziszewska-Zielina (), Piotr Stecz, Tadeusz Tatara and Tomasz Jeleński
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Małgorzata Fedorczak-Cisak: Faculty of Civil Engineering, Cracow University of Technology, Warszawska 24, 31-155 Cracow, Poland
Alicja Kowalska-Koczwara: Faculty of Civil Engineering, Cracow University of Technology, Warszawska 24, 31-155 Cracow, Poland
Krzysztof Nering: Faculty of Civil Engineering, Cracow University of Technology, Warszawska 24, 31-155 Cracow, Poland
Filip Pachla: Faculty of Civil Engineering, Cracow University of Technology, Warszawska 24, 31-155 Cracow, Poland
Elżbieta Radziszewska-Zielina: Faculty of Civil Engineering, Cracow University of Technology, Warszawska 24, 31-155 Cracow, Poland
Piotr Stecz: Faculty of Civil Engineering, Cracow University of Technology, Warszawska 24, 31-155 Cracow, Poland
Tadeusz Tatara: Faculty of Civil Engineering, Cracow University of Technology, Warszawska 24, 31-155 Cracow, Poland
Tomasz Jeleński: Faculty of Civil Engineering, Cracow University of Technology, Warszawska 24, 31-155 Cracow, Poland

Energies, 2022, vol. 15, issue 23, 1-28

Abstract: Historic buildings constitute a specific group of buildings where the possibilities of improving energy efficiency and comfort are significantly limited because of the existing construction features and heritage values. Each building has a different history so the scope of renovation and/or retrofitting must be determined individually for each building. This article presents the methodology of measurement and diagnosis of features of particular importance for energy performance and comfort improvements, based on the example of a historic masonry building located in southern Poland. The first research question was which of the comfort conditions have been exceeded according to measurements. The second issue concerned the necessary extension of the basic determinants of comfort, beyond measurable qualities. A multi-faceted approach to the comfort assessment is proposed, including qualitative research that applies the additional criterion of aesthetic comfort. During the case study diagnosis, the acceptable level was exceeded in thermal, acoustic and aesthetic comfort. The first two may be addressed by optimized technical measures whilst the latter through a research-through-design that addresses the complex relationship between the perceiver and what the environment affords. The solution reflects the need to meet demands for retrofits that are energy-efficient and aesthetically pleasing while minimizing any negative impacts on the heritage and the environment.

Keywords: historical buildings; cultural heritage; thermal and acoustic comfort; aesthetic comfort; multifaceted approach (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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