Beyond academia: Investigating indoor environmental quality and its impact on postgraduate student satisfaction

• The IEQ in university open-plan research offices is assessed through low-cost sensors. • A survey is conducted to investigate how the measured values of the IEQ factors differ from occupant satisfaction. • A significant connection between measured IEQ factors and evaluations made by occupants is found. • Subjective assessments may only align with objective measurements in some cases. Universities need to provide well-planned physical environments to foster creativity, since the indoor setting plays a crucial role in academic success in the 21st century, influencing their research efforts and future outcomes. This study set out to gain a better understanding of the relationship between Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) measures and occupants' fulfilment in their environments, emphasizing the significance of IEQ in improving comfort and well-being. To this end, first the indoor environmental quality (IEQ) in university open-plan research offices (UOROs) in Brunel University London, UK is assessed by measuring various environmental factors through low-cost sensors. The data is then linked to a “Right Now” survey carried out to investigate to what extent do the measured values of the IEQ factors in postgraduate rooms differ from occupant satisfaction. The research showed a significant connection between measured IEQ factors and evaluations made by occupants. Subjective assessments may not always correspond with objective measures. The findings could guide design elements for postgraduate students' use of structures, potentially enhancing productivity. The system combines sensor technologies and Arduino-based monitoring to collect real-time data, improving the comprehension of IEQ and facilitating future study and practical applications in optimizing academic environments for increased productivity and well-being.