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Assessing the Element Integration of Passive Design Strategies: A Mixed-Method Evaluation of Thermal Comfort and Spatial Flexibility in Architecture Faculties
Subject area: Science,Engineering and Technology · Area of research: Passive Design & Thermal Comfort in Buildings
DOI: https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I10-1716917
Abstract
In hot, humid climates, designing a building to stay cool and comfortable without relying heavily on energy-guzzling systems isn't just a nice-to-have it's essential. Orientation, ventilation, shade, thermal mass, and daylighting among others will certainly help. Here comes the tricky part though; employing one or two of the techniques will not necessarily guarantee good performance of the building. What counts at the end of the day is how they come together. This study looked at exactly that how well passive design elements are integrated in six architecture schools around the world, with the goal of applying those lessons to architecture faculties in Nigeria. The researchers used a mix of observation and case study analysis. The six schools chosen were: Fay Jones (USA), KTH (Sweden), Abedian (Australia), Rwanda, Rivers State University (Nigeria), and Özyeğin University (Turkey). The team observed things like microclimate, building materials, flexibility, and functionality. The results? Only two of the six schools scored high on integration (18 out of 22 or above). The Nigerian case study scored the lowest just 10 out of 22. What was missing? Movable shading, cross-ventilation pathways, and retractable elements that let spaces adapt throughout the day. So what does this mean for Nigeria architecture faculties? The study also summarizes some practical design strategies, such as using hexagonally-shaped floor plan layouts, reflective roof coverings, movable windows on the north and south sides, and even sensors for automation purposes.
Keywords
Passive Design Strategies, Element Integration, Thermal Comfort, Faculty of Architecture.
References
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[3] Fanger, P. O. (1970). Thermal Comfort: Analysis and Applications in Environmental Engineering. Danish Technical Press.
[4] Fathy, H. (1969). Architecture for the poor: An experiment in rural Egypt. University of Chicago Press.
[5] Figueras Seating. (2024). JV Foix Library, Barcelona. Project Portfolio. https://figueras.com/project/jv-foix-library/
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[7] ISO 7730. (2005). Ergonomics of the thermal environment — Analytical determination and interpretation of thermal comfort. International Organization for Standardization.
[8] NUC. (2022). Core Curriculum Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS) for Architecture Discipline. Nigerian Universities Commission. https://nuc-ccmas.ng/
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[10] Olgvay, V. (1963). Design with climate: Bioclimatic approach to architectural regionalism. Princeton University Press.
[11] Oyeleye, M. O., God'stime, I. E., & Oladiran, S. O. (2025). A design and implementation of a motion-sensor lighting system at the School of Engineering and Engineering Technology, FUTA – a case study. FUOYE Journal of Engineering and Technology.
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[13] Xu, C., Li, S., & Sun, C. (2025). Optimization of residential indoor thermal environment by passive design and mechanical ventilation in tropical savanna climate zone in Nigeria, Africa. Energies, 18(3), 450. https://doi.org/10.3390/en18030450
How to cite this paper
@article{1716917,
author = {Ogunola F. Samson, Adeleye O. O},
title = {Assessing the Element Integration of Passive Design Strategies: A Mixed-Method Evaluation of Thermal Comfort and Spatial Flexibility in Architecture Faculties},
journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
year = {2026},
volume = {9},
number = {10},
pages = {3390-3396},
issn = {2456-8880},
url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1716917.pdf},
abstract = {In hot, humid climates, designing a building to stay cool and comfortable without relying heavily on energy-guzzling systems isn't just a nice-to-have it's essential. Orientation, ventilation, shade, thermal mass, and daylighting among others will certainly help. Here comes the tricky part though; employing one or two of the techniques will not necessarily guarantee good performance of the building. What counts at the end of the day is how they come together. This study looked at exactly that how well passive design elements are integrated in six architecture schools around the world, with the goal of applying those lessons to architecture faculties in Nigeria. The researchers used a mix of observation and case study analysis. The six schools chosen were: Fay Jones (USA), KTH (Sweden), Abedian (Australia), Rwanda, Rivers State University (Nigeria), and Özyeğin University (Turkey). The team observed things like microclimate, building materials, flexibility, and functionality. The results? Only two of the six schools scored high on integration (18 out of 22 or above). The Nigerian case study scored the lowest just 10 out of 22. What was missing? Movable shading, cross-ventilation pathways, and retractable elements that let spaces adapt throughout the day. So what does this mean for Nigeria architecture faculties? The study also summarizes some practical design strategies, such as using hexagonally-shaped floor plan layouts, reflective roof coverings, movable windows on the north and south sides, and even sensors for automation purposes.},
keywords = {Passive Design Strategies, Element Integration, Thermal Comfort, Faculty of Architecture.},
month = {April},
doi = {https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I10-1716917}
}