Thermal and visual comfort of schoolchildren in air-conditioned classrooms in hot and humid climates

In classrooms, lighting and thermal conditions play a key role in the performance of students since they are in school for long periods of time and carry out activities that involve mental effort and concentration as part of their learning process, This paper analyzes the opinions of children aged 9-11 years old about the thermal and lighting quality in air-conditioned classrooms, This field study monitored and recorded the following variables: illuminance (lux), air temperature (degrees C), mean radiant temperature (degrees C), humidity (%), and air velocity (m/s); in addition, a questionnaire was answered by 97 students, Regarding visual comfort, the results showed a heterogeneous distribution of light ranging from 85,53 lux to 1227,10 lux, Most students perceived the classrooms as being light (median: 324,05 lux); however, such classification did not represent absolute satisfaction, Regarding the thermal environment, the mean air temperature was 26,76 degrees C, and the mean radiant temperature was 26,65 degrees C. Even when the thermal conditions were controlled with the use of air conditioning, we found a high incidence of discomfort among children: 34,01% of children were uncomfortable due to low temperature and 30,93% due to high temperature, Nevertheless, 48.46% of the schoolchildren affirmed that they would prefer the temperature in the room to be lower, The results also showed that the children who claimed a sensation alluding to the heat also displayed a preference for a warmer environment,