Introduction: Climate change, heat waves, greenhouse gas emissions, and global warming have become a never-ending cycle, contributing to environmental degradation and causing discomfort to humans and other living beings. To address climate change, research on the thermal comfort of buildings has been conducted and developed since 1946, using both passive and active thermal comfort strategies. To understand the evolution of thermal comfort, this paper aims to establish the progression and principles of thermal comfort research. Methodology: A narrative literature review method was adopted to analyze the progress of thermal comfort research. A total of 122 selected articles examined concepts, models, architectural perspectives, standards, and policies related to thermal comfort. Results and discussion: Thermal comfort has evolved from the invention of air conditioning to the application of passive thermal comfort strategies in buildings. Thermal comfort research has consistently identified six key parameters that have improved our understanding of indoor thermal comfort. Moreover, the use of innovative technologies in thermal comfort studies can enhance occupant health and well-being. An interdisciplinary approach to thermal comfort research is therefore necessary. Recommendations: This study outlines the sequence of thermal comfort research, including innovations in models, simulation, prediction, and emerging challenges. As such, it will help future researchers, developers, and other stakeholders in the built environment to fill gaps and connect past findings with future directions.
Senthilkumar et al. (Thu,) studied this question.