THERMAL COMFORT ADAPTATION IN OFFICE BUILDING PLANNING: A STRATEGY FOR SUSTAINABLE URBAN DEVELOPMENT IN BIREUEN

Authors

  • Zuraihan Architecture Program, Faculty of Engineering, UNIVERSITI ALMUSLIM INDONESIA
  • Marisa Hajrina Architecture Program, Faculty of Engineering, UNIVERSITI ALMUSLIM INDONESIA
  • Cut Azizah Environmental and Natural Resources Management, UNIVERSITI ALMUSLIM INDONESIA
  • Richard Mareno Civil Program Faculty of Engineering, UNIVERSITI ALMUSLIM INDONESIA
  • Idayani Civil Program Faculty of Engineering, UNIVERSITI ALMUSLIM INDONESIA

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21837/pm.v23i38.1861

Keywords:

thermal comfort, adaptation, office building, energy efficiency, sustainable planning

Abstract

In tropical urban areas, thermal comfort is a critical consideration in the planning and design of office buildings, particularly in efforts to enhance energy efficiency and promote sustainable development. This study investigates how behavioural, physiological and psychological adaptations to thermal conditions among office users in Bireuen Regency can inform more responsive and sustainable building design strategies. A quantitative descriptive method was applied, supported by digital thermal simulations. Data were collected from 500 respondents across three government office buildings: the Central Government Office, the PUPR Office, and the Universitas Almuslim Rectorate. The parameters examined included ventilation, clothing adjustments, and the utilisation of air conditioning. The findings indicate that 80% of respondents actively modified their room conditions, while 85% relied on air conditioning when experiencing overheating. Approximately 65% of respondents considered the ideal temperature range to be 16°C–20°C – significantly lower than the theoretical optimum of 25°C. Furthermore, 60% of respondents were unaware of the energy implications of their thermal preferences. Notably, the entire sample expressed a willingness to adopt energy-conserving behaviours. The study concludes that user adaptation to thermal conditions plays a crucial role in shaping effective indoor climate strategies and provides valuable insights for planners to support sustainable urban policies.

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Published

2025-11-26

How to Cite

Zuraihan, Hajrina, M., Azizah, C., Mareno, R., & Idayani. (2025). THERMAL COMFORT ADAPTATION IN OFFICE BUILDING PLANNING: A STRATEGY FOR SUSTAINABLE URBAN DEVELOPMENT IN BIREUEN. PLANNING MALAYSIA, 23(38). https://doi.org/10.21837/pm.v23i38.1861

Issue

Vol. 23 (2025): PLANNING MALAYSIA JOURNAL : Volume 23, Issue 5, 2025

Section

Article

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