Design Strategies for Conference Centre's in Humid Tropical Climates

Igbikialabo; Alaiyibo Fursbury; Daminabo Ferdinand

doi:10.56201/ijgem.vol.11.no11.2025.pg143.152

📄 Download Paper

Design Strategies for Conference Centre's in Humid Tropical Climates

Igbikialabo, Alaiyibo Fursbury and Daminabo Ferdinand

Abstract

Meeting high occupant comfort standards while limiting operating energy for cooling is a twofold issue for large-volume conference rooms in tropical climes. Based on a master's dissertation from Rivers State University and focused passive-cooling research, this paper presents a combined design-research study. For a proposed International Conference Centre at Igwuruta, Rivers State (15.42-hectare site), the study assesses passive techniques (stack and cross ventilation, solar-chimney-driven atrium ventilation, optimized shade, and nighttime ventilation). Case-study benchmarking (International Conference Centre, Abuja; Calabar International Convention Centre; Shehu Musa Yar'Adua Centre; Scottish Exhibition & Conference Centre; Dalian and Hiroshima ICCs), climatic data analysis of the project site, and performance simulation workflows utilizing CFD for airflow patterning and Energy Plus for thermal load estimation were among the techniques used. In comparison to a sealed, air-conditioned baseline, the results demonstrate that an integrated passive package (solar chimney + high-level louvering + night purge + calibrated external shading) can significantly lower peak operating temperatures and mechanical cooling demand; these results are consistent with values reported in similar tropical studies. In order to maximize comfort while lowering energy consumption, the article ends with design suggestions for hall massing, opening sizing, façade treatment, and a suggested hybrid operation plan.

Keywords

passive cooling; stack ventilation; solar chimney; night ventilation; adaptive thermal comfort; conference hall; tropical design.

References

ArchDaily. (2019). Oodi Helsinki Central Library / ALA Architects. https://www.archdaily.com ASHRAE. (2019). ASHRAE handbook: HVAC applications (SI ed.). American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers. Brisibe, A. (2020). Conference centre design strategies in tropical climates: Case-study analysis. RSU Journal of Architecture and Built Environment, 2(1), 15-32. https://sryahwapublications.com/article/download/2637-5796.0102003 Coop Himmelb(1)au. (2012). Dalian International Conference Centre. https://www.coop-himmelblau.at Foster + Partners. (1984). Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre (SECC), Glasgow. https://www.fosterandpartners.com Henning Larsen Architects. (2009). Calabar International Conference Centre. https://www.henninglarsen.com Julius Berger Nigeria Plc. (1991). International Conference Centre, Abuja. https://www.julius-berger.com Kenzo Tange Associates. (1994). Hiroshima International Conference Centre. https://www.tangeweb.com National Park Service. (2021). Sustainable building practices for tropical climates. U.S. Department of the Interior. https://www.nps.gov Western Australian Museum. (2017). Museum environmental management guide. https://museum.wa.gov.au Chokhachian, A., & Roaf, S. (2019). Passive design strategies for thermal comfort in tropical climates: A review. Journal of Building Performance, 10(2), 45-62. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbp.2019.02.003 Gou, Z., & Lau, S. S. Y. (2020). Adaptive thermal comfort in large-scale assembly buildings: Lessons from Asia. Energy and Buildings, 225, 110296. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enbuild.2020.110296 Li, X., & Li, Y. (2019). Hybrid cooling strategies for large public venues: Case studies from China. Sustainable Cities and Society, 47, 101476. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scs.2019.101476 Morrison, G. M., & Young, W. (2018). Architectural responses to tropical climates: Case studies in envelope design and natural ventilation. Building Research & Information, 46(5), 524-541. https://doi.org/10.1080/09613218.2017.1385236 Olotuah, A. O., & Olatunji, O. (2019). Sustainable conference centres in Nigeria: Environmental and operational perspectives. Nigerian Journal of Building Technology, 18(1), 12-27. Rode, C., & Kjeldsen, T. R. (2020). Daylighting and shading design for tropical assembly spaces: Principles and applications. Solar Energy, 199, 45-58. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solener.2020.01.044 Santos, M., & Costa, C. (2019). Functional planning and circulation efficiency in large-scale public buildings. Journal of Architectural Planning and Research, 36(3), 210-225.

Design Strategies for Conference Centre's in Humid Tropical Climates

Abstract

Keywords

References

More Articles from IIARD INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GEOGRAPHY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT