Investigating designers’ perceptions of thermal comfort: A Q-methodology study in residential design

This study employs a robust mixed methods approach—anchored in Q-methodology and semi-structured interviews—to explore how architects in Ilam, Iran, conceptualize thermal comfort as both technical and cultural discourse. A concourse of 78 statements, refined to 43, was sorted by 20 senior designers. Factor analysis using PQMethod revealed four distinct perception types: (1) passive climate responsiveness, (2) reliance on smart HVAC systems, (3) prioritization of insulation materials, and (4) management of natural light and solar exposure. These viewpoints highlight methodological hybridity, combining subjective discourse with analytical rigor, and reveal how cultural and professional logics shape design priorities. Findings indicate that thermal comfort is a cultural and cognitive construct, shaped by professional judgment, local climate, and social expectations. Q-methodology integrates qualitative interpretation with quantitative categorization to reveal subjective viewpoints with analytical rigor. By situating comfort within cultural and cognitive frameworks, this study demonstrates how Q-methodology enriches sustainability research, guiding climate-responsive design and fostering critical dialogue on energy efficiency and occupant well-being.