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ANALYSIS ON CLIMATE-RESPONSIVE FEATURES IN THE DESIGN OF FEDERAL UNIVERSITY BIRNIN KEBBI’S FACULTY OF ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES
Abstract:
Enhancing Climate Responsiveness in the Design of a Faculty Building: A Case Study in Nigeria
Traditionally, architectural designs were guided by the inherent characteristics of the surrounding environment and the availability of natural resources, aiming to create safe and comfortable spaces. However, the introduction of mechanical heating and cooling systems has led to a disconnect between buildings and their environments. Modern structures heavily rely on technical mechanisms for indoor comfort, resulting in substantial energy consumption and ecological damage through fossil fuel usage.
To address this issue, the concept of climate-responsive building elements has emerged. This approach seeks to harmonize buildings with their environments by mitigating outdoor climatic conditions to enhance overall performance. This research focuses on the integration of climate-responsive building elements within the design of a faculty building. The study site is the Federal University Birnin Kebbi in Nigeria, chosen for its extreme climatic conditions characterized by intense solar radiation and high temperatures. This setting provides a unique opportunity to investigate the impact of harsh weather on faculty building design in the region.
Three faculty buildings were randomly selected within the study area. These buildings were subsequently modeled and analyzed using Ecotect simulation software, incorporating existing climatic data. Simulations were conducted during peak solar radiation periods (February to June) and extreme temperature conditions based on a single day (April 10, 2011, recording a temperature of 45°C).
The simulation outcomes reveal relatively better performance along the East and West-facing functions of the major faculty buildings. These areas exhibit a marginal temperature differential of 1 to 3 degrees Celsius compared to the outdoor environment. Meanwhile, the North and South-facing sections of the buildings, housing lesser functions, demonstrate significantly improved performance, with an average temperature differential of 3 to 6 degrees Celsius under the same conditions.
To demonstrate the potential benefits, a climate-conscious design proposal featuring integrated courtyard verandas and shading devices was simulated and compared against the existing case studies. The results of this simulation outperform the selected existing buildings, achieving a temperature moderation level of 3.5 to 6 degrees Celsius for major functions.
From these findings, it is evident that the initial designs of the faculty buildings did not adequately consider the region’s extreme microclimate conditions. This oversight is characterized by poor design orientation, leading to increased exposure of building elements to the harsh climate. Embracing a climate-conscious design approach not only enhances building performance moderation but also reduces carbon dioxide emissions by curbing excessive energy consumption.
As a recommendation, this study underscores the need for regulatory policies that compel designers to adopt a holistic approach, emphasizing the interplay between building elements and the microclimate. Such measures will undoubtedly contribute to the creation of more sustainable and climate-resilient architectural solutions.
ANALYSIS ON CLIMATE-RESPONSIVE FEATURES IN THE DESIGN OF FEDERAL UNIVERSITY BIRNIN KEBBI’S FACULTY OF ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES, GET MORE, ACTUARIAL SCIENCE PROJECT TOPICS AND MATERIALS
