Indoor Air Quality and Occupant Perception in an Office Building Adapted for Educational Use: A Zone‐Based Case Study

Office‐to‐education adaptive reuse changes occupancy density, schedules, and activities without necessarily involving a redesign of the existing ventilation system. Evidence on within‐room indoor air quality and occupant perception in converted higher education buildings remains limited. This study examined a mechanically ventilated design studio at Istanbul Gelisim University through measurements in window‐side (Z1), central (Z2), and circulation (Z3) zones and a questionnaire completed by 48 users. Carbon dioxide (CO ₂ ), particulate matter (PM _2.5 and PM ₁₀ ), total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs), and grille‐level air velocity were assessed. Mean CO ₂ was highest and most variable in Z2 (527 ± 114 ppm; 95th percentile = 760 ppm; maximum = 882 ppm), whereas upper‐end particulate indicators were greater in Z3. Grille velocities showed point‐level heterogeneity despite broadly similar zonal means. Exploratory point‐level comparisons did not establish statistically significant zonal differences in CO ₂ , particulate indicators, or TVOC after multiplicity adjustment. Perceived air freshness was positively associated with overall environmental satisfaction (Spearman ρ = 0.475, 95% bootstrap CI 0.219–0.682; Holm‐adjusted permutation p = 0.0022). Respondents could not be linked to individual measurement times and locations, so this association does not establish an exposure–perception relationship. This single case illustrates the value and limitations of combining zone‐based monitoring with occupant assessment in a converted educational space. Sequential monitoring, sensor limitations, and the small number of spatial sampling points restrict inference. The findings support further investigation of supply air distribution and occupant experience rather than a definitive ranking of zones or proof of ventilation inadequacy.