INDOOR COMFORT CONDITIONS IN TERMS OF USER SATISFACTION FOR MIDDLE-INCOME GROUPS: THE CASE OF ATAEVLER, BURSA, TURKEY

Abstract

The objective of this research paper is to investigate residents’ perception of indoor comfort conditions and user satisfaction in the residences for middle-income groups, focusing on thermal, visual and acoustical comfort. For this purpose, a residential satisfaction survey was conducted to residents of 5 housing estates in Ataevler, Bursa, Turkey. The study consists of literature review, evaluation of user satisfaction survey, and discussion of the research findings focusing on improving indoor environment. The questionnaires were applied to residents and they were asked to express their perception of indoor comfort and their satisfaction level with comfort parameters in which they live in. The answers have statically been analyzed in terms of percentages through SPSS 13.0. The results obtained indicate that the main dissatisfaction factors related to comfort conditions of middle income groups in their housing estates were related to indoor-outdoor noise problems and inadequate daylight received. The results suggest that comfort levels of users related to climatic factors vary based on their house and seasons. Heating levels of buildings are adjusted based on the comfort of the users. Comfort levels related to indoor-outdoor noise are very low. Satisfaction levels from visual comfort is low in buildings that were constructed close to each other because of inadequate daylight. Achieving optimal visual, acoustical, and climatic comfort conditions is essential to create a positive impact on users’ performance in houses. The results of this study and suggested comfort conditions are expected to contribute to building policies, building producers, academia and to the implementation of high quality, healthy and energy efficient houses.