Thermal comfort challenges in Tropical mosques: Indoor and semi-outdoor space evaluation

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A.M. Nasution, A. Munir, I. Caisarina

2025 IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science Vol. 1510 Issue 1 Conference paper Cited by 0 SDG 7 Quartile

Abstract

In tropical regions, mosques often rely heavily on air conditioning (AC) to maintain thermal comfort, which leads to significant energy consumption and unsustainable practices. Studies indicate that continuous AC operation can result in up to 30% dissatisfaction during prayer times. Some mosques, including the Al-Hasyimiah Teuku Nyak Arief Mosque, also use semi-outdoor spaces, which pose unique thermal challenges. This study evaluates the thermal comfort of both indoor and semi-outdoor prayer spaces at the mosque, focusing on environmental parameters and user perceptions. The Predicted Mean Vote (PMV) and Thermal Sensation Vote (TSV) approaches, in accordance with ASHRAE-55 (2017) standards, were used to assess thermal conditions. Surveys were conducted during the five daily congregational prayers (Subuh, Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, and Isha) for thermal comfort evaluation. The findings suggest that the semioutdoor space is more susceptible to temperature variations, especially during Dhuhr, when PMV values indicated thermal discomfort. However, respondents in this space often reported better comfort than predicted during Asr and Isha, likely influenced by factors such as sun exposure and wind, which affect thermal sensation. Meanwhile, the indoor prayer space maintained stable environmental conditions, though worshippers frequently felt cooler than expected. These results highlight the complexity of thermal comfort, which is shaped not only by physical parameters but also by psychological factors such as adaptation and personal preference. The study underscores the importance of integrating both environmental and usercentric approaches in mosque design to achieve sustainable thermal comfort. © Published under licence by IOP Publishing Ltd.

Affiliations

Architecture Study Program, Syah Kuala University, Banda Aceh, Indonesia; Departemen of Architecture and Planning, Syah Kuala University, Banda Aceh, Indonesia

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