The Interplay Between Spatial Quality and Operational Energy Dimension in Architecture: Appraising Architects’ Understanding

Abstract

With spatial quality as an integral part of the intangible experience of architecture, and energy-efficient building operations as an emerging trend, there is a conflict about how far the current state of energy-efficient building operations is reaching the plateau of enhancing its spatial quality of architecture. It is largely debated around the world yet hardly touched upon in academia. Accordingly, this study explores the architects’ perception of including spatial quality of architecture in the scope of energy-efficient building operations as a critical interplay between the two. The study employs a questionnaire survey to investigate architects' general understanding of the inherent harmonization between the spatial quality of architecture and its operational energy dimension, which is achieved by prioritizing a building's plan, section, and envelope (materiality) as major drivers to address climatic issues. The findings suggest that the current practice of energy-efficient architecture in the local context has been falsified due to architects' lack of fundamental understanding. Furthermore, these findings pinpoint where architects' perceptions need to be reformed, and thus seek to factor in potential recommendations to overcome the challenges in enhancing the spatial quality of architecture through energy-efficient building operations.