Building design and maintenance factors contributing to sick building syndrome (SBS) in Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) building

This study examines how building design and maintenance practices contribute to the occurrence of Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) in university buildings at Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM). The study aims to identify design and building system characteristics associated with SBS, determine the types and features of university buildings most vulnerable to SBS, and examine measures to reduce SBS risks. While most SBS studies focus on quantitative indoor air quality measurements, this research adopts a qualitative approach to better understand how design decisions, building system performance, and maintenance management influence SBS in a university context. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with building professionals from the Department of Development and Maintenance (JPP), UUM, including architects, mechanical engineers, and civil engineers with experience in university buildings. The interview data were analysed using thematic analysis to identify recurring patterns and key issues related to SBS. The findings indicate that SBS is mainly associated with moisture problems, poor construction quality, ageing HVAC systems, inadequate ventilation, and inconsistent maintenance practices. Ageing buildings, particularly libraries, academic buildings, and lecture halls, as well as buildings that rely fully on HVAC systems, were found to be more vulnerable to SBS. The study highlights the importance of early design planning, preventive maintenance strategies, and interdisciplinary collaboration among building professionals to improve indoor environmental quality and occupant well-being in higher education facilities