Human requirements in future air-conditioned environments

ally mixed. Field studies demonstrate that there are substantial numbers of dissatis甧d people in many buildings,

among them those su€ering from Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) symptoms, even though existing standards and

guidelines are met. A paradigm shift from rather mediocre to excellent indoor environments is foreseen in the 21st

century. Based on existing information and on new research results, 畍e principles are suggested as elements behind a

new philosophy of excellence: better indoor air quality increases productivity and decreases SBS symptoms; unneces-

sary indoor pollution sources should be avoided; the air should be served cool and dry to the occupants; ``personalized

air'', i.e. a small amount of clean air, should be served gently, close to the breathing zone of each individual; individual

control of the thermal environment should be provided. These principles of excellence are compatible with energy

e乧iency and sustainability. # 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd and IIR. All rights reserved.