Bioclimatic Design as a Strategy for Thermal Comfort in Academic Buildings: A Focus on Caleb University Architecture Building

Abstract

Thermal discomfort remains a critical challenge in academic buildings located in tropical climates, where high temperatures, intense solar radiation, and humidity significantly affect user comfort and productivity. This study investigates bioclimatic design as a sustainable strategy for enhancing thermal comfort in academic environments, with a specific focus on the Architecture Building at Caleb University, Lagos State, Nigeria.
The research adopts a case study approach, integrating both qualitative and quantitative methods, including site observation, user perception surveys, and environmental assessment of building orientation, materials, ventilation, and surrounding landscape elements. Findings reveal that inadequate shading, poor building orientation, heat-retaining materials, and insufficient integration of passive cooling strategies contribute significantly to thermal discomfort within and around the building.
The study demonstrates that bioclimatic design strategies—such as optimized building orientation, enhanced natural ventilation, integration of vegetation, use of climate-responsive materials, and shading systems—can significantly improve both indoor and outdoor thermal conditions.
The research concludes that adopting a holistic bioclimatic design approach is essential for improving thermal comfort, reducing energy dependence, and enhancing the overall environmental quality of academic buildings in tropical regions.