The next generation of experientially realistic lab-based research: The University of Sydney's Indoor Environmental Quality Laboratory

Abstract

This article describes the University of Sydney's Indoor Environmental Quality Laboratory (IEQ Lab). This is a unique facility in which the building research community and the broader building sector can study how multiple factors comprising the indoor environment – including temperature, humidity, air movement, ventilation rates, air quality, day-lighting, artificial lighting, sound and acoustics – combine to affect human comfort, productivity and health. The IEQ Lab provides experientially realistic interior spaces in which samples of human subjects can be exposed to precisely controlled combinations of the key IEQ parameters. This facility aims to deliver research outcomes that are directly relevant to designers, building services engineers, property and facilities managers, and the cognate regulatory bodies. The IEQ Lab research findings will enhance sectoral capacity to provide innovative and sustainable, low-energy built environments that balance occupants’ expectations for quality against our obligations to substantively address climate change.

Keywords:

• climate chamber
• flexibility
• indoor environmental quality
• thermal comfort

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ERRATUM

Acknowledgements

The construction of the facility has been achieved through a mixture of University of Sydney and industry resources. The University of Sydney's contribution came through CIS 2011 major capital works budget towards the laboratory construction and fit-out. Industry donations have been received from the following:

Platinum donors

•	AMP Capital
•	Ashak & Samim Nathwani

Equipment and systems

•	Air Cooled Chiller – Daikin Australia
•	Audio System – Group Technologies Australia Pty Ltd.
•	Building Management & Control System (BMS) – Automated Logic
•	Chilled Beams and Swirl Diffusers – Krantz Asia Pacific
•	Ceiling Linear Diffusers – Air Grilles Pty Ltd

Consultancy

•	Building Management & Control System (BMS) – Logical Group
•	Building Information Management (BIM) – Norman Disney & Young Pty Ltd.

Notes

This article was originally published with errors. This version has been corrected. Please see erratum 779080