Post-occupancy Evaluation of a University Library: Gendered Perception of Environmental Comfort in a Tropical Climate

This study investigates environmental comfort in the Digital Library at Universitas Negeri Medan through a Post-Occupancy Evaluation (POE), with a specific focus on gendered perceptions in a tropical climate. A mixed-methods approach combined objective measurements of daylight, indoor temperature, and humidity with a user survey analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, chi-square tests, and Spearman correlations. Results show that daylight levels in west-facing areas exceeded 1,200 lux, while indoor temperatures (28–30.5∘C) and humidity (70–78%) surpassed recommended comfort thresholds. Female respondents reported greater sensitivity to glare and heat, experiencing discomfort such as eye strain and reduced concentration, whereas male respondents showed higher tolerance. Inferential analyses confirmed associations between gender, comfort perception, and seating preferences. These findings demonstrate that environmental comfort in libraries is influenced not only by technical parameters but also by gendered and socio-cultural factors. The study contributes to global POE discourse by highlighting the importance of gender-sensitive and climate-responsive strategies such as flexible zoning, dynamic shading, and adjustable lighting in fostering inclusivity and sustainability in higher education facilities.