Assessing the Use of Passive Design Strategies in Enhancing Thermal Comfort in High-Rise Buildings by Design Professional in Abuja

Margimari Ijahenda; Emokpae Murphy Erebor; Martins Ruth Rakiya

doi:10.56201/ijgem.vol.11.no8.2025.pg31.42

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Assessing the Use of Passive Design Strategies in Enhancing Thermal Comfort in High-Rise Buildings by Design Professional in Abuja

Margimari Ijahenda, Emokpae Murphy Erebor, Martins Ruth Rakiya

Abstract

This study investigated the use of passive design strategies by Architects in enhancing thermal comfort of building occupants in high-rise buildings in Abuja. It responds to growing concerns about energy efficiency and sustainable housing in rapidly urbanising cities. Passive design strategies utilise natural means to achieving thermal comfort by relying less on mechanical heating and cooling systems thereby reducing energy consumption. Using a mixed-methods approach that combined quantitative and qualitative methods, a total of 121Architects within the federal capital territory of Abuja who have been involved in the design and construction of high- rise buildings while adopting passive design strategies were involved in the study. Findings highlighted that the key passive design strategy adopted by the Architects was green roofs with mean score of (4.91). On the level of importance of the adoption of passive design strategies for enhancing thermal comfort in high rise buildings, the Architects were agreed that natural ventilation (maximising cross ventilation by strategically placing windows and using building layouts that encourage air circulation was key with mean score of (4.76). It was further observed that design process was the critical success factor that enhanced integration of passive design strategies for enhancing thermal comfort of building occupants in high rise buildings with mean score (4.95). The research concludes that it is very important to Involve various stakeholders in the planning process to ensure that the thermal comfort levels of building occupants in high rise buildings meets their needs. The study will enhance valuable insights for architects, developers, policymakers, and urban planners. By adopting passive design strategies in the erection of high- rise buildings, it is believed that thermal comfort of building occupants will be enhanced thereby improving building sustainability, effective function

Keywords

ArchitectsPassiveDesignHigh-RiseThermalComfortProfessionals.

References

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Assessing the Use of Passive Design Strategies in Enhancing Thermal Comfort in High-Rise Buildings by Design Professional in Abuja

Abstract

Keywords

References

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