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Exploring Environmental Excellence: University of Seville Hosts Second International Workshop on Architecture, Featuring a Dedicated Session on the EDIAQI Project

Dr. Jessica Fernández-Agüera presenting the EDIAQI project at the Second International Workshop on Architecture at the University of Sevilla

On October 2nd and 3rd, the II International Workshop on Environmental Quality and Health in Architecture took place at the School of Architecture of Seville, part of the University of Seville, Spain.

This workshop, organised by the researchers of the European Project 'Evidence Driven Indoor Air Quality Improvement (EDIAQI): Jessica Fernández-Agüera, Miguel Ángel Campano, Samuel Domínguez, Ignacio Acosta, and Pedro Bustamante from the School of Architecture at the University of Seville, aims to raise awareness among the public, professionals, and students about the importance of ensuring appropriate Indoor Air Quality (IAQ). It proposes strategies for improvement in both architectural practices and daily habits. This event was open to the public and free of charge. Patricia Ripoll, founder of the Visible Foundation, served as the master of ceremonies, and various internationally renowned researchers also participated.

Thanks to collaboration with various associations such as Aireamos and Ventilando, as well as national and international entities like the University of Perugia (UNIPG), the University of Colorado (CU), the University of Zaragoza, the University of Castilla-La Mancha (UCLM), and the University of Córdoba (Schools of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine), among others, the event received a warm reception from students and citizens. It saw a high registration rate and subsequent attendance.

Aireamos and Ventilando presnetation at Second International Workshop on Architecture

Renowned experts from various fields of knowledge, including medicine, biology, biochemistry, architecture, engineering, and more, specialised in IAQ and health, successfully conveyed and emphasised the importance of indoor air quality through a multidisciplinary approach in their respective presentations.

During the two-day workshop, a diverse group of national and international experts shared their concerns on various topics, with the programme primarily centred around the significance of high-level of IAQ. The event began with an opening presentation by José Luis Jiménez, Professor of Chemistry and Environmental Sciences at the University of Colorado. This was followed by a wide range of lectures and panel discussions that covered issues such as understanding the types of indoor air pollutants and their primary sources, raising awareness about infiltration problems in homes and educational facilities that degrade IAQ, and the importance of air filtration in indoor spaces.

Presentation by Dr. by José Luis Jiménez, a Professor of Chemistry and Environmental Sciences at the University of Colorado, during the International Workshop on Architecture

In addition, there were presentations by students whose Bachelor's Theses (final university projects) have been developed and published based on the issues addressed by EDIAQI. Guillermo García presented the results obtained from his Bachelor's Thesis, titled 'Transmission of Respiratory Diseases in Vulnerable Environments'. His research highlighted a significant IAQ shortfall in nurseries. This prolonged exposure, in turn, correlated with high concentrations of CO2, resulting in a higher incidence of airborne pathogen attacks.

Guillermo García presenting the results obtained from his Bachelor's Thesis, titled 'Transmission of Respiratory Diseases in Vulnerable Environments'

The event showcased involvement from Haier and Soler & Palau, leading experts in manufacturing ventilation and HVAC systems for diverse building environments. During the panel discussion, they emphasised the importance and commitment of their companies to ensuring high IAQ quality while providing information about the capabilities of their equipment. Ultimately, their objective is to equip users with knowledge and tools needed to assess IAQ and take action to improve it.

Haier and Soler & Palau stands at the International Workshop on Architecture.

The following conclusions were drawn as a result of the workshop:

  • Air is a colourless, oduorless, and tasteless element, and we cannot perceive it. Often, we forget its crucial role in our lives. Humans cannot assess air quality through their senses, leading to a lack of attention and action towards its improvement. Poor air quality affects us in the long term, resulting in various diseases, but it may not have immediate effects (except in individuals with respiratory issues).
  • As COVID-19 cases decrease, there's a pressing need to revive public awareness about air quality. The fading concern has led to a collective forgetting of crucial lessons. Re-educating people on the significance of IAQ is paramount for our health. To bridge this knowledge gap, it's essential to empower the public with information. Currently, society's lack of education on air quality issues leaves them largely unaware, emphasising the urgency of addressing this gap.
  • Many deficiencies related to IAQ still exist in public buildings, with a particular focus on buildings inhabited by vulnerable populations (children, the elderly, individuals with disabilities, etc.).
  • The growing risk tied to buildings is amplified by the tightening of building envelopes, the outdated state of ventilation systems, and the emergence of substances with indoor emission potential.
  • Detailed information and solutions must be provided to public authorities regarding measures that can improve and control IAQ.
  • There are measures and equipment for improving IAQ that were rapidly implemented in public buildings during the pandemic but are not currently in operation.

Note: This article, authored by Professor Jessica Fernández-Agüera from the University of Sevilla and EDIAQI project partner, has been published on her behalf.