Post Occupancy Evaluation of the Luminous Environment in Algerian University Classrooms

Abstract

The luminous environment is one of the most important physical parameters in a teaching space (classroom) due to its impact on the intellectual performance of students, their health and their behavior. The aim of this study is to evaluate the luminous environment in university classrooms located in Constantine, the main university hub of the East of Algeria. A Post Occupancy Evaluation (POE) based on the objective and subjective assessment was carried out at the Department of Psychology of Constantine 2 University in North and West facing classrooms. This study was conducted during the three periods: winter, spring and summer, under clear sky and overcast sky conditions. The objective variables measured by a luxmeter during each course session are: indoor illuminance levels (Ei) on work plan, vertical illuminance levels on boards (Ev), uniformity index (Uo) and outdoor illuminance levels (Ex). At the same time, students perception and satisfaction were reported by a longitudinal questionnaire (N=1221) using subjective scales. The objective assessment shows that the mean interior illuminance is dependent of the sky-type, and it varies with outdoor illuminance. We notice that illuminance levels in north classroom are below the recommended value especially under overcast sky. The illuminance levels in west facing classroom are excessive during the afternoon under clear sunny sky. However, students show a remarkable degree of adaptation to different light levels. They use controls to modify the light level at their work plans.