This paper presents the results of an extensive literature review on thermal adaptation in the built environment, focusing on air-conditioned versus naturally ventilated buildings. It discusses the limitations of conventional heat balance models and introduces an adaptive model of thermal comfort, which considers the role of past experiences, cultural practices, and environmental interactions in shaping thermal perception. The review highlights three modes of adaptation: behavioral adjustment, physiological acclimatization, and psychological habituation or expectation. Behavioral adjustment involves changes in clothing, activity, or environmental controls to improve comfort. Physiological adaptation includes changes in body temperature regulation over time, while psychological adaptation involves changes in perception and expectations. The paper also discusses the importance of personal control in thermal comfort, noting that perceived control can significantly influence comfort and satisfaction. Field studies show that occupants in naturally ventilated buildings often have different thermal comfort responses compared to those in air-conditioned buildings, likely due to differences in perceived control and past thermal experiences. The review emphasizes the need for a more nuanced understanding of thermal adaptation that accounts for contextual factors beyond the physics of heat balance. It concludes that adaptive models of thermal comfort are essential for designing buildings that better meet the needs of occupants in different environments.This paper presents the results of an extensive literature review on thermal adaptation in the built environment, focusing on air-conditioned versus naturally ventilated buildings. It discusses the limitations of conventional heat balance models and introduces an adaptive model of thermal comfort, which considers the role of past experiences, cultural practices, and environmental interactions in shaping thermal perception. The review highlights three modes of adaptation: behavioral adjustment, physiological acclimatization, and psychological habituation or expectation. Behavioral adjustment involves changes in clothing, activity, or environmental controls to improve comfort. Physiological adaptation includes changes in body temperature regulation over time, while psychological adaptation involves changes in perception and expectations. The paper also discusses the importance of personal control in thermal comfort, noting that perceived control can significantly influence comfort and satisfaction. Field studies show that occupants in naturally ventilated buildings often have different thermal comfort responses compared to those in air-conditioned buildings, likely due to differences in perceived control and past thermal experiences. The review emphasizes the need for a more nuanced understanding of thermal adaptation that accounts for contextual factors beyond the physics of heat balance. It concludes that adaptive models of thermal comfort are essential for designing buildings that better meet the needs of occupants in different environments.