PEOPLEGiulia Torriani

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Giulia Torriani

PhD Student
Institute for Renewable Energy

T +39 0471 055 964

giulia.torriani@eurac.edu

https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1085-247X

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About

Topics

Multisensory indoor environments
Energy efficient comfort
Thermal comfort for children
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)
Smellscape
Perceived and effective control
Occupant-building interaction logics
Personal Environmental Control Systems (PECS)
Post Occupancy Evaluation (POE)

Giulia Torriani, female, PhD candidate at the Department of Civil, Environmental and Mechanical Engineering, University of Trento, collaborating with the EEB research group at Eurac Research and the Center for Mind/Brain Sciences (CIMeC) in Rovereto, Italy. She is a member of ASHRAE Technical Committee TC2.1 “Physiology and Human Environment” and of the REHVA Community of Young Professionals. Her research focuses on user-centred approaches to IEQ design and management, with a particular emphasis on thermal comfort, IAQ, and cross-modal sensory effects. Her expertise covers: Characterization of smell perception in indoor built environments, Thermal comfort for children, Dynamic and multimodal indoor exposures and their effects on user satisfaction and behaviour, Occupant–building interaction and Personal Environmental Control Systems (PECS). She has experience in statistical modelling of occupant perception and behaviour, and in the design and management of both field and laboratory experiments with human participants.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/giuliatorriani1/?locale=en_US
ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Giulia-Torriani-2
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=_8RAqTQAAAAJ&hl=it
Scopus: https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=57956682700

Scientific Publications

Journal article2026

Smells modulate thermal sensation: A multisensory study in office environments during winter

Torriani G, Torresin S, Babich F, Zampini M, Albatici R

Francesco Babich, Giulia Torriani

Recent advances in multisensory studies have highlighted the potential influence of sensory interactions on human perception. However, the relationship between environmental smells and thermal sensation remains underexplored. This study investigates how exposure to olfactory stimuli influences perceived thermal sensation over time, using two fragrances with “warm” (vanilla) and “cool” (fig) connotations. A controlled experiment was conducted in a living lab in Bolzano (Italy) during winter, involving 24 participants and three identical test rooms: one odourless (control), and two scented with vanilla and fig scents. Participants experienced each condition for 15 min and rated their thermal sensation using a 7-point Thermal Sensation Vote scale at 5-minute intervals. Data analysis using a Cumulative Link Mixed Model revealed that the vanilla scent consistently increased the likelihood of reporting warmer thermal sensations compared to the odourless condition, with the effect strengthening over time and peaking at 15 min. At that timepoint, the probability of perceiving warmth in the vanilla-scented room was approximately 95% higher than in the control setting (p < 0.001). Conversely, the fig scent produced a delayed cooling effect, becoming significant only after 15 min, with an 88% higher probability of reporting cooler sensations compared with the control setting (p < 0.001). These effects are attributable to perceptual and cognitive association mechanisms. The findings suggest that incorporating olfactory cues into building design could enhance perceived thermal comfort without changing the set-point temperature, thereby potentially enabling energy savings.

DOI

DOI: 10.1016/j.buildenv.2026.114369

Journal article2025

Developing a principal components model of indoor smellscape perception in office buildings

Torriani G, Albatici R, Babich F, Vescovi M, Zampini M, Torresin S

Francesco Babich, Giulia Torriani

Project: EU H2020 MEZeroE - Measuring Envelope products and systems contributing to next generation of healthy nearly Zero Energy Buildings

In recent years, research has increasingly explored the relationship between humans, smells, and the built environment. However, a standardized system that fully captures all crucial perceptual dimensions of indoor smellscapes is still missing. To address this gap, a sensory test was conducted in a living lab to identify the underlying perceptual dimensions of indoor smellscapes in office settings. A total of 42 participants assessed 22 olfactory scenarios commonly encountered in offices, delivered through an olfactometer. Participants evaluated these scenarios using 80 unidirectional scales designed to describe human responses to indoor smellscapes, with each descriptor rated on a visual analogue scale (0–100) indicating the degree of "descriptor–smellscape match". Through Principal Component Analysis, Pleasantness, Presence, and Naturalness were identified as the three main perceptual dimensions, explaining 64.78 %, 13.61 %, and 6.91 % of the total variance, respectively. The relationships between principal component scores and smell categories were analysed using linear mixed-effects models, revealing significant effects of olfactory categories on principal components scores. Based on these findings, a measurement system is proposed, structured around a 2D space defined by two orthogonal axes—Pleasantness and Presence—with two additional axes, Engagement and Power, rotated 45° within the same plane. This model identifies key perceptual constructs to be measured (e.g., in post-occupancy evaluations), and specifies attribute scales. Furthermore, the study provides insights into which smell categories influence these perceptual dimensions in office environments. By offering a systematic approach, this framework provides a valuable reference for both research, standardization and practical applications in the built environment.

DOI Source

DOI: 10.1016/j.buildenv.2025.113044

Journal article2025

Influence of building- and occupant-related factors on perceived air quality (PAQ) in offices: A systematic review

Torriani G, Torresin S, Albatici R, Babich F

Francesco Babich, Giulia Torriani

Project: IT BZ Breath - Indoor air quality and health in Province offices

Achieving good Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) in offices goes beyond protecting health; it also enhances comfort, enjoyment, and productivity. While much of the existing literature focuses on how environmental factors (e.g., contaminants, thermal, visual, and acoustic parameters) affect Perceived Air Quality (PAQ), fewer studies have comprehensively explored the influence of building-related (e.g., finishing materials) and occupant-related (e.g., socio-demographic) factors. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, this review critically analyses the existing evidence (39 field and laboratory studies) on building- and occupant-related factors that influence PAQ satisfaction in office buildings and their implications for building design and management. According to the review results, building-related factors affecting PAQ satisfaction include HVAC systems, personal comfort systems, operable windows, emissions from furniture and materials, building and office types, and workplace location within the building. Occupant-related factors include socio-demographics, building tenure, country, occupancy rates, and habits such as eating or cleaning. Moreover, the perceived and actual control over the indoor environment significantly influences PAQ satisfaction. Notably, non-IEQ factors like office layout and ventilation rates have a major impact on PAQ, with enclosed private offices increasing satisfaction by 88 % compared to open spaces without partitions and increasing ventilation rates from 3 to 20 L/s per person boosting satisfaction by 63 %. The study promotes a holistic approach to building design and management, empowering all professionals involved (e.g., mechanical engineers, architects, building managers) by highlighting the influence their individual choices can have on PAQ satisfaction.

DOI Source

DOI: 10.1016/j.jobe.2024.111758

Journal article2025

Personalized environmental control systems (PECS): A systematic review of performance evaluation methods for thermal comfort, air quality and energy

Al-Assaad D, Pigliautile I, Shinoda J, Rawal R, André M, Vashi S, Rugani R, Torriani G,

Francesco Babich, Akshit Gupta, Giulia Torriani

Personalized Environmental Control Systems (PECS) can improve both comfort and energy efficiency by shifting indoor climate control toward localized, occupant-tailored comfort, unlike conventional systems that condition entire, partly unoccupied spaces uniformly. . Despite their potential, the absence of standardized assessment and reporting methods, and the diversified PECS technical specifics hinder consistent performance evaluation practices. Conducted in the framework of IEA EBC’s Annex 87, this review, based on the PRISMA statement, provides a comprehensive overview of existing methods and indicators used to evaluate the performance of PECS, specifically targeting thermal and air quality domains. A novel three-layered classification approach was applied to categorize PECS types, and reviewed studies were grouped into four methodological categories: building simulation, CFD, chamber, and field studies. The review identifies methods’ usage trends, benefits, and limitations. Among 302 reviewed papers, more than half (61 %) adopt controlled laboratory tests, while CFD is the most used simulation method (68.6 % of simulation studies). Field studies are a minority, highlighting the limited implementation of PECS in real-world scenarios. Simulations are cost effective in rapidly prototyping and developing PECS. However, the insights they provide into PECS performance are limited by either model resolution constraints or high complexity. Comfort evaluations do not consider individual occupant differences nor behavior inherent to PECS. It is through experiments that knowledge can be gained on realistic occupant responses. However, they can be resource intensive and require careful planning. This review provides best practice guidelines to assist researchers in improving quality reporting of their methods.

DOI Source

DOI: 10.1016/j.buildenv.2025.113471

Journal article2025

Personalized Environmental Control Systems (PECS): Systematic review of benefits for thermal comfort, air quality, health, and human performance

Khovalyg D, Bivolarova MP, Shinoda J, Al-Assaad D, Vellei M, Bandurski K, Chinazzo G, Kazanci OB,

Giulia Torriani

Advances in environmental technologies have improved indoor environmental quality (IEQ) by creating steady, uniform conditions. However, these often fail to meet individual thermal comfort and air quality needs, prompting a shift toward adaptive, personalized solutions. Personalized Environmental Control Systems (PECS) aim to enhance comfort, air quality, health, and productivity through user-centered designs. This paper systematically reviews 324 journal articles on PECS from 1988-2023, focusing on thermal and indoor air quality (IAQ) domains. PECS are classified by mobility: building-attached, semi-attached, detached, and wearable. The review assesses their impact on thermal comfort, IAQ, health outcomes (e.g., Sick Building Syndrome, heat stress), and human performance (e.g., cognitive function, productivity). Results show that building-detached PECS often improve thermal sensation, comfort, and acceptability, with combined systems yielding better ratings. Personalized ventilation enhances IAQ by delivering clean air directly to the breathing zone, reducing contaminant exposure. Research on PECS effects on health is limited, mainly focusing on short-term, controlled studies. Evidence for benefits on human performance is sparse but promising. Key challenges include inconsistent performance metrics, limited real-world evaluations, and potential publication bias toward positive results. This review highlights the need for standardized evaluation methods, deeper understanding of combined PECS effects, real-world and long-term testing, and clearer quantification of human performance benefits to advance the field.

DOI Source

DOI: 10.1016/j.buildenv.2025.113541

Conference proceedings article2025

The Role of Warm Ambient Fragrances in Shaping Winter Thermal Comfort: A Linear Mixed Models Analysis in Office Spaces

Torriani G, Torresin S, Babich G, Zampini M, Albatici R

Francesco Babich, Giulia Torriani

DOI Source

DOI: 10.1007/978-3-032-06978-8_42

Journal article2025

Thermal comfort and perceived air quality (PAQ) using automatic ceiling fans in residential buildings

Gupta A, Torriani G, Torresin S, Pistore L, Pellegatti M, Piazza L, Miorin F, Pasut W,

Francesco Babich, Annamaria Belleri, Roberto Lollini, Akshit Gupta, Giulia Torriani

Project: EU H2020 CULTURAL-E: Climate and cultural based design and market valuable technology solutions for Plus Energy Houses

In warm climates, resilient and low-energy methods for cooling building occupants are needed to ensure energy-efficient and adaptive thermal comfort. Air movement, particularly through ceiling fans, is an effective way to provide comfort in warm conditions, potentially minimizing or even avoiding the need for more energy-intensive air conditioning systems. This study aims to validate an algorithm for automatically adapting ceiling fan speed in residential settings based on room thermal conditions and focuses on subjective thermal satisfaction and perceived air quality (PAQ). An environmental chamber study was conducted with 30 participants across three different indoor air temperature conditions (27 °C, 29 °C, and 31 °C) over 2-hour sessions, testing four fan operational modes: Automatic (downward flow), Manual Direct (downward flow), Manual Reverse (upward flow), and Off. Subjective thermal satisfaction and PAQ were measured using standardized questionnaires on a 7-point Likert scale. Results showed that automatic operation maintained comparable thermal satisfaction levels to manual control, with no statistically significant differences (p > 0.3) across all temperature conditions, indicating that the automatic algorithm successfully provided comfortable environmental conditions comparable to user-controlled settings. Direct flow mode (downward) significantly outperformed reverse flow mode in thermal satisfaction, especially at higher temperatures (29 °C and 31 °C, p < 0.05). Air movement in direct flow improved perceived air quality compared to the no fan condition across all temperatures (p < 0.05). Automatic fan control showed no difference in PAQ satisfaction across all temperature conditions (p > 0.2), while manual and off modes showed decreased satisfaction, particularly from 27 °C to 31 °C (p < 0.05). These findings demonstrate that automatic ceiling fans can achieve equivalent comfort satisfaction to manual operation while enabling a more energy-efficient alternative to traditional air conditioning. The validated automatic control system provides a practical pathway toward resilient and personalized cooling strategies in residential buildings, contributing to both climate change mitigation and the achievement of plus-energy building goals.

DOI Source

DOI: 10.1016/j.enbuild.2025.115317

Journal article2024

Deriving thermal sensitivity across educational stages: Evidence-based definition of Griffiths' coefficient

Lamberti G, Torriani G, Fantozzi F, Babich F

Francesco Babich, Giulia Torriani

Thermal sensitivity directly impacts occupants' comfort by influencing neutral temperatures and comfort models. The Griffiths method, commonly used to derive thermal sensitivity, often assumes a constant value of 0.5°C^-1 for calculating occupants' neutral temperatures. However, it is important to note that thermal sensitivity can vary depending on factors such as building type, climatic conditions, operation mode (i.e., natural ventilation, mechanical ventilation, or mixed mode), and occupants' age. This study aims to define whether age-dependent differences in thermal sensitivity exist in schools, achieved through the formulation of specific Griffiths coefficients for each educational stage. A field study was conducted in naturally ventilated classrooms within the same climate zone, collecting 1548 subjective responses and objective measurements from students across different educational stages. The results demonstrate that the thermal sensitivity in schools is lower than the commonly assumed values, especially in primary schools (0.085°C^-1), and it increases with students' age. This variation is reflected in the corresponding neutral temperatures, which also increase with age. Using a constant Griffiths coefficient can lead to significant estimation errors in neutral temperature, potentially up to 1 °C, impacting both comfort and energy consumption. This study emphasizes that there are different thermal comfort expectations related to students’ age. To improve the reliability of adaptive thermal comfort models and ensure accurate neutral temperatures estimations, it is essential for future research to consider the students' age when evaluating the thermal sensitivity.

DOI Source

DOI: 10.1016/j.jobe.2024.109081

Conference proceedings article2024

Enhancing Indoor Air Quality in Office Buildings: Insights from a Field Study

Torriani G, Ibeas IL, Babich F

Francesco Babich, Giulia Torriani

Project: IT BZ Breath - Indoor air quality and health in Province offices

Building tight for minimizing building energy consumption and related carbon emissions might negatively affect indoor air quality (IAQ) if this is not correctly designed and evaluated during operation. To address this concern, a post occupancy evaluation study was conducted in a recent large office building in the Autonomous Province of Bolzano (Italy). The aim of the study was to collect evidence from a relevant case study and use it as a basis to define a standardized strategy for continuous monitoring of a larger portfolio of office buildings. Additionally, carbon dioxide (CO₂), particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10), total volatile organic compounds (TVOC), air temperature, and relative humidity were recorded 24/7 for a 5-week period in winter 2023. Detailed spot measurements of VOCs and aldehydes were also carried out. Perceived air quality (PAQ) was evaluated through satisfaction surveys which covered various factors influencing PAQ including 14 potential sources of dissatisfaction. A cross-modal approach allowed for a comprehensive examination of the different domains (thermal, visual, acoustic, and IAQ) on PAQ. Measured contaminants’ levels were below recommended limits. Overall, participants were neither satisfied nor dissatisfied with PAQ, and possible related sources of dissatisfaction were elements such as the relative humidity. Sick building syndrome (SBS) selfreported symptoms such as dry skin and itchy eyes confirmed potentially too low relative humidity levels.

DOI Source

DOI: 10.1051/e3sconf/202452306007

Journal article2024

Perceived air quality (PAQ) assessment methods in office buildings: a systematic review towards an indoor smellscape approach

Torriani G, Torresin S, Lara-Ibeas I, Albatici R, Babich F

Francesco Babich, Giulia Torriani

Project: IT BZ Breath - Indoor air quality and health in Province offices

Indoor air quality (IAQ) has significant impacts on office occupants’ productivity, well-being and health. Addressing IAQ not only means ensuring that contaminants are below harmful concentration but also that people exposed are satisfied. However, current standards often lack clear metrics and thresholds dedicated to Perceived Air Quality (PAQ). Therefore, it is important to examine whether there is a prevalent method in the literature that could lead towards standardization. This review study constitutes the first comprehensive critical exploration of the subject. Adopting the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines, the objective is to synthesize and compare diverse methods (subjective vs instrumental evaluations; object of judgment; component of perception; rating scales) for assessing PAQ in office buildings, based on insights from 93 field and laboratory studies. Results show that the assessment of PAQ predominantly relies on questionnaires (90%), with a very smaller percentage using alternative methods such as olfactory indices, diaries, interviews, sensory testing, and text mining techniques. Workers’ satisfaction is the most commonly evaluated aspect in PAQ questionnaires, often measured on a 7-point Likert scale. Odours are typically characterized in terms of intensity by utilizing a continuous 6-point unidirectional scale. Olfactory stimuli are usually considered with a negative connotation, being the absence of odour the target of IAQ design. The present study proposes a future research agenda that introduces the importance of a perceptual approach to evaluate the indoor olfactory environments (or smellscapes), aiming to create working spaces that are not only odour-neutral but also olfactorily pleasant.

DOI Source

DOI: 10.1016/j.buildenv.2024.111645

Journal article2023

Comparison of indoor air quality and thermal comfort standards and variations in exceedance for school buildings

Babich F, Torriani G, Corona J, Lara-Ibeas I

Francesco Babich, Jacopo Corona, Giulia Torriani

Addressing indoor air quality (IAQ) and thermal comfort issues in school buildings is challenging but relevant. Firstly, their primary occupants are more vulnerable than adults. Secondly, school buildings are often inadequate being too old or designed to prioritise energy-efficiency targets. Thirdly, occupants have often little control over the indoor environmental quality (IEQ). Lastly, the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic highlighted the complexity and vulnerability of existing decision-making processes in relation to making timely and well-informed decisions about IEQ threats. Standards and guidelines vary over time and among similar countries despite targeting similar occupants, evaluate IAQ and thermal comfort independently, and do not include any specific adaptations to children. Thus, the aim of this research is to compare different available standards to evaluate IAQ and thermal comfort in school buildings. By analysing with different standards (EN16798, BB101, and ASHRAE 55 and 62.1) the data collected in schools in northern Italy, this research evaluated the consequences of different limits and approaches, and proposed improvements. The conclusions are that (i) thresholds and methods inconsistency within the same standard should be avoided; (ii) upper- and lower-bounded operative temperature scales are the most appropriate means to design and verify thermal comfort in classrooms; (iii) IAQ metrics that give an upper limit per a certain amount of consecutive time might prevent the build-up of indoor pollutants, even with high emissions from the building fabric; (iv) no standard proposes a combined IAQ and thermal comfort analysis which could enable more informed trade-off decisions considering IAQ, thermal comfort, and energy targets.

DOI Source

DOI: 10.1016/j.jobe.2023.106405

Journal article2023

Thermal comfort and adaptive capacities: Differences among students at various school stages

Torriani G, Lamberti G, Salvadori G, Fantozzi F, Babich F

Francesco Babich, Giulia Torriani

In educational buildings, ensuring thermal comfort is crucial in guaranteeing pupils' health and high learning. Previous studies show different thermal comfort expectations in the educational stage. However, only a few studies have simultaneously investigated all educational stages and considered schools and universities in different areas. In this study, data collected from 24 classrooms in the winter and 1548 questionnaires were used to analyse all the educational stages in one region, thus minimising the possible bias associated with the climate zone, operation mode, and cultural adaptation. Hence, all differences in the perception of the thermal environment were likely to be due to only the educational stage. The results showed that adaptive capacities, such as clothing insulation and window operation, decrease at lower educational stages. Neutral, comfort and preferred temperatures are largely dependent on the educational stage and increase with it (e.g. 20.6, 21.7, 23.1, and 23.6 °C for primary school, middle school, high school, and university, respectively). Furthermore, a linear relationship between students’ age and neutral temperature was derived. These differences in thermal comfort expectations were reflected in the variable predictive capability of the predicted mean vote (the greatest difference between predicted and actual thermal sensations in primary school). Overall, this study provides evidence of the necessity for thermal comfort models that can capture variations depending on the educational stage.

DOI

DOI: 10.1016/j.buildenv.2023.110340

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Journal article2025

Thermal comfort and perceived air quality (PAQ) using automatic ceiling fans in residential buildings

Gupta A, Torriani G, Torresin S, Pistore L, Pellegatti M, Piazza L, Miorin F, Pasut W,

Francesco Babich, Annamaria Belleri, Roberto Lollini, Akshit Gupta, Giulia Torriani

Project: EU H2020 CULTURAL-E: Climate and cultural based design and market valuable technology solutions for Plus Energy Houses

DOI Source

DOI: 10.1016/j.enbuild.2025.115317

Giulia Torriani

About

Scientific Publications

Smells modulate thermal sensation: A multisensory study in office environments during winter

Developing a principal components model of indoor smellscape perception in office buildings

Influence of building- and occupant-related factors on perceived air quality (PAQ) in offices: A systematic review

Personalized environmental control systems (PECS): A systematic review of performance evaluation methods for thermal comfort, air quality and energy

Personalized Environmental Control Systems (PECS): Systematic review of benefits for thermal comfort, air quality, health, and human performance

The Role of Warm Ambient Fragrances in Shaping Winter Thermal Comfort: A Linear Mixed Models Analysis in Office Spaces

Thermal comfort and perceived air quality (PAQ) using automatic ceiling fans in residential buildings

Deriving thermal sensitivity across educational stages: Evidence-based definition of Griffiths' coefficient

Enhancing Indoor Air Quality in Office Buildings: Insights from a Field Study

Perceived air quality (PAQ) assessment methods in office buildings: a systematic review towards an indoor smellscape approach

Comparison of indoor air quality and thermal comfort standards and variations in exceedance for school buildings

Thermal comfort and adaptive capacities: Differences among students at various school stages

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Scientific Publications

Smells modulate thermal sensation: A multisensory study in office environments during winter

Developing a principal components model of indoor smellscape perception in office buildings

Influence of building- and occupant-related factors on perceived air quality (PAQ) in offices: A systematic review

Personalized environmental control systems (PECS): A systematic review of performance evaluation methods for thermal comfort, air quality and energy

Personalized Environmental Control Systems (PECS): Systematic review of benefits for thermal comfort, air quality, health, and human performance

The Role of Warm Ambient Fragrances in Shaping Winter Thermal Comfort: A Linear Mixed Models Analysis in Office Spaces

Thermal comfort and perceived air quality (PAQ) using automatic ceiling fans in residential buildings

Deriving thermal sensitivity across educational stages: Evidence-based definition of Griffiths' coefficient

Enhancing Indoor Air Quality in Office Buildings: Insights from a Field Study

Perceived air quality (PAQ) assessment methods in office buildings: a systematic review towards an indoor smellscape approach

Comparison of indoor air quality and thermal comfort standards and variations in exceedance for school buildings

Thermal comfort and adaptive capacities: Differences among students at various school stages