Query
Why is thermal comfort required in circulation spaces where human activity is extremely low? Why cannot a naturally ventilated corridor be treated same as a corridor which is semi closed or open?
Solution
The current standards define comfort for either occupied or non-occupied spaces. There are no separate comfort criteria for the spaces not occupied continuously for long periods. These spaces are defined as transitional spaces and research for thermal comfort for such spaces is on-going. But, it must be noted that none of the research so far says that comfort conditions must be overlooked in transitional spaces due to short time-period occupancy. So, it does not matter whether the transitional space is naturally ventilated or air conditioned, the project must demonstrate compliance as per the requirement for a naturally ventilated or air conditioned, space as mentioned in the manual.