Climate-Responsive Architectural Design Strategies for Flood Risk Mitigation in Coastal Urban Settlements in Rivers State
Abstract
This study investigated climate-responsive architectural design strategies for flood risk mitigation in coastal urban settlements in Rivers State, Nigeria. The research focused on three key strategies: site planning and orientation, passive solar design, and natural ventilation. Employing a descriptive survey design, data were collected from 150 professionals, comprising architects, civil engineers, and builders, using a structured questionnaire validated for content and construct validity. Responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (independent samples t-test at 0.05 significance level). Findings revealed a high level of agreement among architects and builders on the relevance of site planning and orientation strategies, including building elevation, setback from water bodies, and optimized drainage, with grand means of 4.31 and 4.19, respectively. Passive solar design strategies, such as building orientation for solar gain, elevated floors, and the use of reflective materials, were similarly acknowledged as critical for flood resilience, with grand means of 4.13 and 4.19. Natural ventilation strategies, including cross-ventilation, operable windows, and ventilated roof designs, were also recognized as effective, with grand means of 4.08 and 4.11. Inferential analysis indicated no significant difference between architects and builders across all three strategy categories, suggesting a shared professional understanding of their importance. The study concludes that integrating climate-responsive architectural strategies into coastal urban development is essential for enhancing resilience, reducing flood vulnerability, and improving indoor environmental quality. Recommendations include incorporating these strategies into policy, professional training, and stakeholder engagement to promote sustainable, flood-resilient settlements in coastal environments.
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