Current Volume 9
Assessing Biophilic Design and Indoor Environmental Quality in Postgraduate Hostels in Public Universities in South-West Nigeria
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
Citations
IRE Journals:
Adesola Folarin Samuel, Oyadokun Joel Olufemi, Olutoye Toluwanimi Caleb "Assessing Biophilic Design and Indoor Environmental Quality in Postgraduate Hostels in Public Universities in South-West Nigeria" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 9 Issue 11 2026 Page 5280-5290 https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I11-1718523
IEEE:
Adesola Folarin Samuel, Oyadokun Joel Olufemi, Olutoye Toluwanimi Caleb
"Assessing Biophilic Design and Indoor Environmental Quality in Postgraduate Hostels in Public Universities in South-West Nigeria" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 9(11) https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I11-1718523
About IRE Journals
IRE Journals is an open access online journals established with an aim to publish high quality of research work in various diciplines. We have more than 6 years in publications. Over 2500+ papers already published.
Important Links
For Authors
Volume 8:
Issue 1, Issue 2, Issue 3, Issue 4, Issue 5, Issue 6, Issue 7, Issue 8, Issue 9, Issue 10, Issue 11, Issue 12Volume 7:
Issue 1, Issue 2, Issue 3, Issue 4, Issue 5, Issue 6, Issue 7, Issue 8, Issue 9, Issue 10, Issue 11, Issue 12Volume 6:
Issue 1, Issue 2, Issue 3, Issue 4, Issue 5, Issue 6, Issue 7, Issue 8, Issue 9, Issue 10, Issue 11, Issue 12Volume 5:
Issue 1, Issue 2, Issue 3, Issue 4, Issue 5, Issue 6, Issue 7, Issue 8, Issue 9, Issue 10, Issue 11, Issue 12Volume 4:
Issue 1, Issue 2, Issue 3, Issue 4, Issue 5, Issue 6, Issue 7, Issue 8, Issue 9, Issue 10, Issue 11, Issue 12Volume 3:
Issue 1, Issue 2, Issue 3, Issue 4, Issue 5, Issue 6, Issue 7, Issue 8, Issue 9, Issue 10, Issue 11, Issue 12