Indoor climate as a cultural question

No. 26

For thousands of years, people have shaped the spaces they inhabit and the indoor climate within them. Even the ventilation shafts of the Great Pyramid of Giza demonstrate that air movement was considered in architectural design long before modern building services existed.

But what makes a space feel comfortable?

The answer varies around the world. Climate, habits and social expectations all influence how people perceive comfort, healthy air and indoor air quality.

A journey through Germany, Spain, Brazil and China reveals how differently indoor climate is experienced and what this means for building design, ventilation strategies and technical planning.

SPACES

09/07/2026 6 min

»There are significant differences in air awareness around the world.«

Martin Lenz, Head of International Business Development, TROX SE

WHY THERE IS NO
UNIVERSAL ANSWER

Indoor climate is never purely a technical issue.

It influences how people experience buildings, how comfortable they feel and how they perceive the quality of indoor spaces.

Climate zones, humidity levels, energy costs, regulatory requirements and cultural expectations all affect the role that ventilation systems, air conditioning technologies and heat recovery solutions play in a particular country.

In some regions, comfort takes centre stage. In others, the focus lies on health, energy efficiency or reducing the impact of particulate pollution.

Anyone involved in the design of international buildings therefore operates at the intersection of engineering and culture. Successful indoor climate concepts emerge where technical requirements, local conditions and the needs of people come together.

GERMANY

Indoor climate needs greater awareness

In Germany, the importance of healthy air is widely recognised. Yet awareness of the impact that indoor climate and indoor air quality have on health and wellbeing often remains limited.

As a result, decisions that improve air quality are frequently driven by new regulations or visible challenges rather than proactive action.

»In Scandinavia, 90% of schools have a ventilation system. In Germany, the figure is just 10%. That says a great deal about cultural attitudes.«

Martin Lenz, TROX Germany

SPAIN

Comfort as a part of architecture

Spain combines climate-responsive architecture with modern ventilation systems.

Indoor air quality, heat recovery and dehumidification are considered alongside comfort and energy efficiency, reflecting a holistic approach to the indoor environment.

»In Spain, energy efficiency, comfort and health are not viewed as competing priorities when it comes to indoor air.«

Roberto Rodríguez, TROX España

BRAZIL

Climate shapes requirements

High temperatures, humidity and extreme weather conditions define the requirements placed on air conditioning systems and ventilation solutions.

Energy efficiency is often the primary consideration during planning. At the same time, topics such as mould prevention, healthy air and long-term indoor air quality are gaining increasing importance.

»Healthy air has not yet become deeply embedded in the culture and is still largely a by-product of efficiency decisions.«

Luis Claudio M. S. Almeida, TROX do Brasil

CHINA

Air quality as a societal priority

In China, air quality has long become a topic of public importance.

Urbanisation and particulate pollution have led to indoor air quality being systematically planned, regulated and monitored. Dust filtration, dehumidification, heat recovery and high-performance ventilation systems all play an important role.

»Air quality is now regarded in China as a basic requirement for work and social activity.«

Luke Zhong, TROX China

Expectations differ. The responsibility remains the same.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR BUILDING DESIGN?

International projects require more than technical expertise.

Buildings must respond to local climate conditions, accommodate user behaviour and comply with regulatory requirements. At the same time, they must create an indoor experience that reflects local expectations.

This is why successful solutions are rarely created through a single global standard. They emerge when indoor climate, buildings and people are considered together.

»Air should remain invisible. Simply present, without drawing attention to itself.«

Martin Lenz on global expectations of indoor climate

INDOOR CLIMATE CONNECTS ENGINEERING AND CULTURE

Whether in Germany, Spain, Brazil or China, people spend most of their lives indoors.

What differs are the paths taken to create healthy and comfortable environments. Some regions prioritise energy efficiency. Others focus on health. Elsewhere, comfort or protection from particulate pollution takes precedence.

That is precisely why looking beyond national borders is so valuable.

Good air follows no culture. Yet every culture shapes how people experience it.