Human Thermal Environments

Responses to our thermal environment have a considerable effect on health, comfort, performance and behaviour, not least in the realm of work. There has been considerable scientific investigation of these responses and formal methods have been developed for environmental evaluation and design. In recent years, these have been developed to the extent that detailed national and international standards of practice have now become feasible.

This 2nd edition of Ken Parsons' definitive text brings us back up to date. He covers hot, moderate and cold environments, and defines these in terms of six basic parameters: air temperature, radiant temperature, humidity, air velocity, clothing worn, and the person's activity There is a focus on the principles and practice of human response, which incorporates psychology, physiology and environmental physics with applied ergonomics. Water requirements, adaptive behaviour, computer modelling and computer aided design are brought in, as are current standards. Special populations, such as the aged or disabled, and specialist environments, such as those found in vehicles, are also covered.

This remains the standard text for the design of environments in which humans can live and work safely, comfortably and effectively, and for the design of materials which help people cope with their environments.

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