IAQ SENSORS and USERS’ PERCEPTION HOW LOW-COST DEVICES CAN BE HEALTH PROMOTERS IN THE BIG DATA ERA. An experimental research activity in working spaces for supporting the definition of a Living Lab

INTRODUCTION Humans spend a significant portion of their lives in indoor environments and the impact of these spaces on an individual's cognitive abilities, emotions, and overall health is often underestimated. Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) plays a key role in influencing these factors and is an important public health issue that warrants increased attention. OBJECTIVES In the Big Data era with the high concentration of many commercial IAQ sensors, a team developed an experimental research activity in some working spaces aimed at the definition of a Living Lab supported by BIM systems. The general scope is to investigate how low-cost sensors can inform users and how can improve occupants’ behaviour. METHOD This study conducted a qualitative analysis of users' perceptions on 10 offices in a university department. The analysis combined weekly survey responses from office occupants with data collected from low-cost IAQ sensors. The questionnaire was designed based on a scoping review on IAQ monitoring and user surveys. It helped to identify key topics for the survey, to be correlated with the quantitative sensor data. RESULTS Data analysis through the correlation of qualitative and quantitative data was presented through graphs that correlate the relationship between occupant well-being and environmental conditions. By comparing qualitative user responses with quantitative sensor data, the study explored correlations between individuals' perceptions of comfort and IAQ concentrations. The study considered a variety of working spaces, with diverse factors such as solar exposure, ventilation systems, occupancy levels, and types of activities being taken into account.Based on the findings, the team tested the methodology and developed a set of best practices to promote healthier environments. These strategies included recommendations such as how to improve users’ behaviour, window opening schedules, cleaning routines, etc. CONCLUSIONS The study aims to assess the effectiveness of low-cost sensors as a tool for improving IAQ. The goal is to determine whether these sensors can serve as preventive measures to enhance the quality of indoor spaces, with the potential for broader application. Given the many factors influencing IAQ, which can vary by location and time, the study also aims to establish a method-ology for identifying best practices for guaranteeing an adequate IAQ. In conclusion, the research contributes to the development of a Living Lab supported by BIM systems.