AN IOT-BASED SMART STUDIO QUALITY INDEX (SSQI): A MULTI-DIMENSIONAL EVALUATION FRAMEWORK FOR SUSTAINABLE ARCHITECTURAL STUDIOS IN HOT-ARID CLIMATES

Journal Article

2026

Published in: SCIENTIFIC CULTURE

Architectural design studios represent cognitively demanding and behaviorally intensive learning environments, yet current evaluation models rarely address their complex indoor environmental needs, especially in hot-arid regions. This study addresses a critical global gap by proposing the “Smart Studio Quality Index” (SSQI), a novel, multi-dimensional evaluation framework that integrates real-time Internet of Things (IoT) sensor data, spatial functionality metrics, and user-centered behavioral analytics. Tested in Egyptian architectural studios through a combination of environmental  monitoring,  behavioral  surveys  (n=85),  and  statistical  modeling  (R²  =  0.69),  the  SSQI  revealed substantial deficits in thermal comfort, air quality, lighting, and acoustics, correlating strongly with reduced student satisfaction and cognitive focus. Scenario-based simulations showed that smart adaptive interventions could improve SSQI scores by up to 23%, while reducing CO₂concentrations and optimizing energy use. Beyond its local application, the SSQI offers a transferable and scalable model aligned with international standards (ASHRAE 55, ISO 3382-3, EN 12464-1)  and  supports  sustainable  development  goals  by  promoting  energy-efficient,  cli-mate-resilient  educational spaces that enhance learning equity in the Global South. The study contributes a replicable methodology that bridges architectural  education,  environ-mental  performance,  and  smart  building  innovation,  supporting  global  goals  for sustain-able and student-centered learning spaces

• Publisher Name: SCIENTIFIC CULTURE
• Volume Number: 12
• Issue Number: 2.1