Warmth
Warmth and heat are related concepts in thermodynamics and everyday experience, but they differ in their meanings and applications.
Warmth is a qualitative term that describes the sensation or perception of temperature. It relates to how warm or comfortable an environment, object, or surface feels to a person. Warmth is subjective, often influenced by personal preferences, surrounding conditions, and cultural or contextual associations. For example, a room may feel warm to one person but not to another, even if the actual temperature is the same.
Heat, on the other hand, is a scientific term referring to the transfer of thermal energy between objects or systems due to a temperature difference. Heat is a measurable physical quantity and is expressed in units such as joules or calories. It moves from a higher-temperature object to a lower-temperature one, driving changes in temperature or state (e.g., melting or evaporation). Unlike warmth, heat is objective and governed by the laws of thermodynamics.
The key distinction lies in their nature: warmth is a subjective experience of temperature, while heat is an objective physical process involving energy transfer. Warmth often relates to comfort and human perception, while heat focuses on the mechanics of energy movement and interaction.
See also: Coolth.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings.
Featured articles and news
ECA progress on Welsh Recharging Electrical Skills Charter
Working hard to make progress on the ‘asks’ of the Recharging Electrical Skills Charter at the Senedd in Wales.
A brief history from 1890s to 2020s.
CIOB and CORBON combine forces
To elevate professional standards in Nigeria’s construction industry.
Amendment to the GB Energy Bill welcomed by ECA
Move prevents nationally-owned energy company from investing in solar panels produced by modern slavery.
Gregor Harvie argues that AI is state-sanctioned theft of IP.
Heat pumps, vehicle chargers and heating appliances must be sold with smart functionality.
Experimental AI housing target help for councils
Experimental AI could help councils meet housing targets by digitising records.
New-style degrees set for reformed ARB accreditation
Following the ARB Tomorrow's Architects competency outcomes for Architects.
BSRIA Occupant Wellbeing survey BOW
Occupant satisfaction and wellbeing tool inc. physical environment, indoor facilities, functionality and accessibility.
Preserving, waterproofing and decorating buildings.
Many resources for visitors aswell as new features for members.
Using technology to empower communities
The Community data platform; capturing the DNA of a place and fostering participation, for better design.
Heat pump and wind turbine sound calculations for PDRs
MCS publish updated sound calculation standards for permitted development installations.
Homes England creates largest housing-led site in the North
Successful, 34 hectare land acquisition with the residential allocation now completed.
Scottish apprenticeship training proposals
General support although better accountability and transparency is sought.
The history of building regulations
A story of belated action in response to crisis.
Moisture, fire safety and emerging trends in living walls
How wet is your wall?
Current policy explained and newly published consultation by the UK and Welsh Governments.
British architecture 1919–39. Book review.
Conservation of listed prefabs in Moseley.
Energy industry calls for urgent reform.