DATA COLLECTION INSTRUMENT
OBSERVATION GUIDE FOR CASE STUDY HOSTELS
Section A: General Hostel Information
Hostel Name: ___________________________
Location/Address: _______________________
Observation Date: _______________________
Observer Name: ________________________
Number of Floors: __________
Estimated Occupant Capacity: ___________
Year of Construction: ____________________
Section B: Passive Design Strategies
1. Orientation and Building Layout
Orientation relative to sun (East/West exposure): ___________________
Is the layout conducive to cross-ventilation? (Yes / No / Partial)
Comments:
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2. Natural Ventilation Features
Window types and operability:
o Sliding / Louvre / Awning / Casement / Fixed
Cross-ventilation achieved? (Yes / No / Partial)
Use of ventilators or air bricks: ________________________________
Comments:
3. Daylighting and Natural Illumination
Size and placement of windows:
o Small / Medium / Large
o High sill or low sill windows
Use of skylights or light wells: (Yes / No)
Daylighting is adequate in:
o Bedrooms: Yes / No / Partial
o Common areas: Yes / No / Partial
Comments:
4. Shading and Heat Gain Control
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Use of shading devices:
o Overhangs / Louvres / Blinds / Trees / Other: __________
Is shading effective? (Not at all / Slightly / Moderately / Highly)
Surface colour and reflectance: Light / Medium / Dark
Comments:
Section C: Active Design Features
5. Lighting Systems
Type of lighting in rooms:
o Incandescent / Fluorescent / LED / Mixed
Presence of automated controls (e.g., motion sensors): Yes / No
Use of task lighting (e.g., desk lamps): Yes / No
Comments:
6. Mechanical Cooling Systems
Type used:
o Ceiling fans / Standing fans / Window AC / Split AC / Centralised
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Operational hours (if known): __________________________
Comments:
7. Renewable Energy Installations
Solar PV panels installed? (Yes / No)
o If yes, estimated capacity: __________ kW
Solar water heating systems present? (Yes / No)
Evidence of inverter/battery system? (Yes / No)
Comments:
8. Water and Waste Management
Low-flow fixtures: (Yes / No)
Rainwater harvesting systems: (Yes / No)
Waste sorting/recycling bins present? (Yes / No)
Comments:
Section D: Operational and Maintenance Practices
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9. Maintenance Practices
Evidence of maintenance schedules (visible logs, technician visits)?
o Regular / Irregular / None observed
Maintenance staff available on-site? (Yes / No)
Comments:
10. Energy Awareness and Signage
Are posters or reminders about energy conservation visible? (Yes / No)
Any instructions near appliances or switches? (Yes / No)
Comments:
Section E: General Impressions and Additional Notes
Overall condition of the building:
o Poor / Fair / Good / Excellent
Perceived comfort level inside (subjective):
o Very uncomfortable / Uncomfortable / Neutral / Comfortable / Very comfortable
Other features observed related to energy use or comfort:
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Photos/Sketches (Attach as appendix or upload):
Facade and orientation
Shading devices
Windows and ventilation systems
Mechanical and renewable systems
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