Exploring the correlation between building physical condition, indoor environmental quality and occupants’ perception: a narrative review

Purpose This paper aims to examine the relationship between the building physical condition (BPC) and indoor environmental quality (IEQ). Various building defects and their effects on occupants’ comfort, satisfaction, health and productivity were identified and analysed. Design/methodology/approach The six-phase thematic analysis was used to examine the content of 27 papers, and three primary themes were identified: BPC–IEQ Performance Assessment: Tools and Techniques, BPC’s Influence on IEQ and Occupants’ Effect: BPC–IEQ Relationship. The first theme emphasised innovative approaches for assessing criticality (defect, space and key performance indicator-based assessments). The second theme highlighted the significant correlation between BPC and IEQ, including the impact of building defects and external factors on indoor air quality. The third theme explored how BPC and IEQ settings influenced occupants’ perceptions (satisfaction, health, comfort and absenteeism). Findings An increasing interest about the correlation between BPC and IEQ was identified in this paper. Various issues, including cracks, insufficient insulation and inadequate ventilation systems, adversely impacted IEQ and occupants’ perceptions. Research areas that require further investigation were also determined. Practical implications The outcomes of this narrative review suggest the importance of BPC assessment in enabling facility managers to implement preventive maintenance, optimise building performance and make informed, data-driven decisions to enhance IEQ and occupant well-being. Originality/value This paper contributes information regarding the correlation between BPC–IEQ, constraint identifications and potential research routes for improving building performance and the well-being of occupants, given that previous studies did not specifically explore these concerns.