REVEALING THE SPACE CHALLENGES VS INDOOR AIR QUALITY IN ADAPTIVE-REUSED PRESHOOLS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.21837/pm.v24i44.2248Keywords:
Adaptive-reused building, Carbon dioxide, Indoor air quality, Preschool, Classroom, ChildrenAbstract
The number of preschools has significantly enhanced in recent years, even though numerous preschools are housed in facilities that are not initially intended for such use. Space and indoor Air Quality (IAQ), specifically Carbon Dioxide (CO2) is regarded as a crucial element influencing the physical growth of children. Therefore, it is crucial to assess the indoor environments of the preschool located in premises that have been renovated and modified from their initial use. Elevated carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations in indoor environments may adversely affect children's health and cognitive function. Preschool environments, characterised by high occupancy rates and limited ventilation, are particularly susceptible to poor air quality, which can consequently lead to respiratory issues and diminished learning performance. This study investigates the impact of spaces and ventilation strategies on CO₂ concentration levels in preschool classrooms by examining the occupants activities towards IAQ. The results demonstrated that the CO2 concentration in the classroom exceeded the recommended 1000 ppm threshold during lesson and group activities but the levels decreased during low-occupancy periods, such as breaks and outdoor activities. Factors such as room size, and occupancy density influenced the increase of CO2 concentrations. The implementation of exemplary design practices, implementation of hybrid ventilation systems, coupled with thoughtful renovation and ongoing maintenance of preschool facilities, is essential for fostering a high-quality indoor environment within classroom space.
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