Thermal sensation and adaptation after spatial transition: a review and meta-analysis

This article provides a comprehensive review of experiments investigating the impact of spatial transitions on human psycho-physiological responses. A conceptual model is proposed to visually illustrate four spatial transition types, each involving movement from or to an indoor long-stay space. The study reports the variables, methods, and differences of procedures among studies. Furthermore, a meta-analysis explores the relationship between temperature change and thermal sensation vote changes during spatial transitions. While a good association is observed overall, distinct tendencies are noted for different spatial transition types. Additionally, the meta-analysis reveals a strong correlation between thermal sensation vote and temperature change during overshoots in spatial transitions, with the model demonstrating a robust fit, particularly within a temperature change range of -17 K to +17 K (R2 = 0.92). Future research should explore cultural influences and the impact of different climates by diversifying participant profiles, solar radiation, and the effect of other domains (acoustic, lighting, and air quality) on the user’s thermal perception on space transition.