Indoor environmental quality assessment through participatory methods

Zapata-Lancaster, Gabriela ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3239-131X and Parra-Ullauri, Andrea 2026. Indoor environmental quality assessment through participatory methods. Presented at: International Structural Engineering and Construction, Quito, Ecuador, 23 - 26 March 2026. Published in: Villacís, E., Ayarza, C., Singh, A. and Yazdani, S. eds. Proceedings of International Structural Engineering and Construction. , vol.13 (1) ISEC Press, 10.14455/ISEC.2026.13(1).EPE-15 Item availability restricted.

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Abstract

This paper presents a pilot study that explores monitoring techniques and creative, participant-led methods inspired by citizen science to assess indoor environmental quality (IEQ) in educational buildings. The study focused on key environmental factors—air quality, lighting, and thermal comfort—and involved undergraduate students from a built environment program. A mixed-method approach was employed, combining real-time monitoring using handheld sensors (measuring temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide, and lighting) with creative tools such as participatory mapping and observation diaries. These methods enabled students to assess their own learning spaces while generating contextualized insights that complemented the quantitative data. The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of this approach in identifying IEQ challenges and raising awareness among students. Findings show that integrating sensor based data with creative, experiential methods provides a more comprehensive understanding of indoor conditions. This combination also promotes critical reflection and strengthens environmental literacy among participants. The results highlight the potential of citizen science-inspired strategies not only to enhance environmental monitoring but also to foster active learning and student engagement in sustainability practices. Implications for broader application in educational and community contexts are discussed.

Item Type:	Conference or Workshop Item (Paper)
Status:	In Press
Schools:	Schools > Geography and Planning (GEOPL) Schools > Architecture
Publisher:	ISEC Press
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	14 January 2026
Date of Acceptance:	30 December 2025
Last Modified:	14 Jan 2026 13:00
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/183643

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