Effects of energy efficient architectural design features on users’ thermal comfort in a typical private Nigerian university
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Date
2023-06
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Abstract
The effects of energy efficient architectural building design Features on the users’ thermal comfort in public building spaces have become critical concerns on the built environment in Nigeria. This study therefore relied on the collection of data from respondents that receive their lectures from three (3) selected auditorium buildings in Ajayi Crowther University Oyo State Nigeria. The methodology engaged quantitative techniques by the administration of questionnaire (with 40 questions). The study assessed the: (i) existing energy efficiency design features in the auditorium buildings, (ii) application of the energy efficiency design features in the auditorium buildings and (iii) critical success factors that influence the application of the energy efficiency building design features in the auditorium buildings. The results revealed Ten (10) energy efficiency architectural design features applied in the three (3) auditoria with the respondents mostly agreed on the availability of sun shading devices and the use of operable windows. In terms of the application of the architectural building design features in the selected auditoriums, the respondents mostly agreed on the application of raked sitting arrangements ranked 1st, LED (light emitting diode) lighting ranked 2nd, solar shading devices ranked 3rd and green roof as the least (10th) agreed upon respectively. More so, the critical success factors that determine application of architectural building design features in the auditorium buildings, the respondents mostly agreed on the willingness of the school to finance the purchase and installation of these design features (3.50) and the organisation of enlightenment seminars by the school authorities (3.31). This study concluded that improvements in the application of architectural design features that enhance users’ thermal comfort levels can be made inclusive and other more effective energy efficient measures could also be integrated to improve the thermal comfort experiences of the users of the auditorium buildings in the school environment. This study suggested further studies on other smart technologies that can simulate the effects of energy efficiency-tropical design features that can enhance users’ thermal comfort satisfaction