Assessing Biophilic Design and Indoor Environmental Quality in Postgraduate Hostels in Public Universities in South-West Nigeria

References

[1] Adewale, B. A., and Adebayo, A. A. (2021). Assessment of students’ housing conditions in selected Nigerian universities. Journal of Facilities Management, 19(4), 453–469.

[2] Ajayi, O. O., Adebayo, P. W., and Ogunleye, O. O. (2022). Evaluation of student residential satisfaction in Nigerian university hostels. International Journal of Built Environment and Sustainability, 9(3), 55–66.

[3] Akinwolemiwa, B., Adegun, O. B., and Oladokun, T. T. (2020). Climate-responsive architecture in Nigerian institutional buildings. Buildings, 10(5), 87.

[4] Allen, J. G., MacNaughton, P., Laurent, J. G. C., Flanigan, S. S., Eitland, E. S., and Spengler, J. D. (2015). Green buildings and health. Current environmental health reports, 2(3), 250-258.

[5] Andalib, E., Temeljotov-Salaj, A., Steinert, M., Johansen, A., Aalto, P., and Lohne, J. (2024). The interplay between the built environment, health, and well-being—A scoping review. Urban Science, 8(4), 184.

[6] Ayejuyo, A. O., Ajayi, O. O., and Raufu, K. A. (2025). Exploring the role of biophilic design elements in enhancing guest well being in resort hotels: A study from Southwestern Nigeria. Quest Journal of Research in Environmental and Earth Sciences, 11(2), 1-6.

[7] Browning, W. D., Ryan, C. O., and Clancy, J. O. (2014). 14 patterns of biophilic design: Improving health and well-being in the built environment. Terrapin Bright Green LLC.

[8] Gillis, K., and Gatersleben, B. (2015). A review of psychological literature on the health and wellbeing benefits of biophilic design. Buildings, 5(3), 948-963.

[9] Kellert, S. R., and Calabrese, E. F. (2020). The practice of biophilic design. Terrapin Bright Green.

[10] Lottrup, L., Grahn, P., and Stigsdotter, U. (2020). The role of campus landscape in students’ well-being and restoration. Landscape Research, 45(6), 743–758.

[11] Oluwunmi, A. and Adedoyin, A. and Ajibola, M. and Oloke, O. (2018). An evaluation of the basic facility needs of private university students in Ogun state, Nigeria. International Journal of Civil Engineering and Technology. 9. 476-484.

[12] Oluwunmi, A. O., Ajayi, C. A., and Oladapo, A. A. (2020). Students’ perception of residential satisfaction in university hostels in Nigeria. Property Management, 38(4), 567–583.

[13] Ryan, C., Browning, W., Clancy, J., Andrews, S., and Kallianpurkar, N. (2021). Biophilic design patterns and psychological responses in indoor environments. Buildings, 11(11), 520.

[14] Söderlund, J., and Newman, P. (2021). Biophilic architecture: A review of the rationale and outcomes. Sustainability, 13(2), 812.

[15] Yin, J., Zhu, S., MacNaughton, P., Allen, J. G., and Spengler, J. D. (2018). Physiological and cognitive performance of exposure to biophilic indoor environment. Building and Environment, 132, 255-262.

[16] Zhong, W., Schroeder, T., and Bekkering, H. (2022). Restorative effects of indoor greenery on cognitive performance. Building and Environment, 207, 108434.

@article{1718523,
      author = {Adesola Folarin Samuel, Oyadokun Joel Olufemi, Olutoye Toluwanimi Caleb},
      title = {Assessing Biophilic Design and Indoor Environmental Quality in Postgraduate Hostels in Public Universities in South-West Nigeria},
      journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
      year = {2026},
      volume = {9},
      number = {11},
      pages = {5280-5290},
      issn = {2456-8880},
      url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1718523.pdf},
      abstract = {The Rapid urbanization and increased dependence on artificial indoor environments have reduced occupants’ connection with nature, thereby affecting comfort, well-being, and environmental satisfaction within university residential buildings. This study assessed the extent of biophilic design strategies and their influence on indoor environmental quality in postgraduate students’ satisfaction in selected postgraduate hostels across public universities in South-West Nigeria.  A quantitative research approach was adopted using structured questionnaires administered to postgraduate students. Five university hotels were purposively selected namely; University of Lagos, Federal University of Technology Akure, Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife, University of Ibadan, and Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta. Using Slovin’s formula was used to select a sample size of 334 respondents was derived from a total population of 2,031 students. Data collected were analyzed using frequency distribution, percentages, mean score ranking, and Mean Weighted Value (MWV). Findings revealed that natural ventilation (MWV = 4.41), access to daylight (MWV = 4.32), and surrounding vegetation (MWV = 4.18) were the most significant biophilic features influencing students’ comfort and satisfaction. However, inadequate maintenance, overcrowding, and limited outdoor interaction spaces reduced overall environmental quality in some hostels.  The study concludes that biophilic design strategies significantly enhance indoor environmental quality and residential satisfaction in postgraduate hostels. The study recommends the integration of climate-responsive and nature-based design strategies in future university hostel developments.},
      keywords = {Biophilic Design; Indoor Environmental Quality; Postgraduate Hostels; Student Satisfaction; Sustainable Architecture },
      month = {May},
      doi = {https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I11-1718523}
  }