Transitional spaces

Semi-open spaces are widely used in vernacular architecture across the world. In the Mediterranean area, they are usually developed along the south side of the building, permitting direct solar gains during the heating period, while providing shading during the cooling period. Thus, semi-open spaces create a protected microclimatic environment that hosts various activities throughout the year. Semi-open spaces constitute one of the main bioclimatic elements of vernacular architecture and, as such, they are worth protecting. However, the built heritage is subject to adaptive interventions in response to social needs. The conversion of semi-open spaces into indoor spaces, with the use of extended glass surfaces, is one of the most commonly applied interventions in rehabilitation and conservation projects in Cyprus, due to the different social needs that they have to meet. However, such actions affect the overall energy performance of the premises substantially. This study provides insight and documentation on the role of south orientated semi-open spaces, as thermal environment modifiers, and highlights the impact of their conversion into indoor spaces. Experimental and simulation tools are used in order to investigate south oriented semi-open spaces encountered in the Mediterranean, focusing on a representative case study that reflects the typical arrangement of rural vernacular dwellings in Cyprus. The results of this research indicate the positive environmental contribution of the semi-open spaces in traditional dwellings as they provide acceptable thermal comfort for a considerable period of time. As far as the conversion of semi-open spaces into indoor spaces is concerned, excessive temperature levels are noticed during the cooling period, in the absence of any shading and natural ventilation, due to the greenhouse effect. On the contrary, during the heating period a positive contribution to the thermal environment of the main building is observed. This can be attributed to the creation of the greenhouse effect and the function of the semi-open space as a thermal buffer zone, reducing heat losses. Conclusions are drawn concerning the proper use and seasonal manipulation by the occupants of the glass openings framed in these spaces, so as to adapt to varying environmental conditions.

RESUMEN.
El enfoque adaptativo se ha convertido en una alternativa de acercamiento al fenómeno del confort
térmico, desde una perspectiva que incluye aspectos psicológicos. Algunos de los entusiastas de
este enfoque argumentan que la adaptación psicológica no es excluyente de la adaptación
fisiológica, sino que son complementarias.
Las personas, para acoplarse a un ambiente térmico que no ofrece condiciones térmicas de
confort, se valen de distintos mecanismos de adaptación, tanto fisiológicos como psicológicos.
Por otro lado, está la búsqueda del deleite a través de exponerse a condiciones de disconfort, Las
personas buscan la estimulación sensorial al exponerse a experiencias que en teoría se consideran
como incómodas. Situaciones en las que la sensación de confort pudiera estar fuera de los límites
de la comodidad, pero la estimulación voluntaria de los sentidos, resulta gratificante. Los humanos
buscamos ese tipo de experiencias por placer.
En el presente trabajo, a través de la revisión de literatura, se explora la búsqueda del contraste
térmico, como una característica de la adaptación psicológica ante condiciones ambientales
adversas.