INDOOR ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY (IEQ) IN MUSEUMS AND HERITAGE BUILDINGS

Abstract

Museums and heritage buildings play a vital role in preserving cultural identity and history, yet maintaining suitable Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) within these spaces presents significant challenges. Balancing the strict environmental needs of artifact preservation with the comfort requirements of visitors has emerged as a major concern, particularly in repurposed heritage buildings that often lack modern environmental control systems. This research aims to identify the core challenges in managing IEQ in museum and heritage building environments and to explore practical approaches for improvement. Using a qualitative methodology based on literature review and secondary data analysis, the study highlights common IEQ issues such as poor air quality, unstable temperature and humidity levels, and inadequate lighting and ventilation systems. Findings reveal that these conditions not only threaten artifact preservation but also affect visitor experience and well-being. The study also explores emerging solutions, including retrofitting strategies, integrated HVAC models, and natural, non-invasive air purification techniques. A holistic approach is emphasized, integrating energy efficiency, sustainability, and comfort to improve the functionality of heritage buildings as modern public spaces. This research underscores the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration between architecture and environmental engineering in developing sustainable, people-focused, and conservation-conscious IEQ strategies for cultural institutions.