Abstract:
In traditional architectural practices, buildings were meticulously shaped by the constraints imposed by their surrounding environment and the availability of natural resources. This ensured the creation of secure and pleasant spaces. However, the contemporary paradigm employs mechanical heating and cooling methods, leading to a detachment between buildings and their specific contexts. This results in an increased reliance on technical infrastructure to maintain indoor comfort, contributing to elevated energy consumption and environmental degradation through the utilization of fossil fuels.
The integration of climate-responsive architectural components represents a transformative approach, as it aligns structures with their surroundings by tempering outdoor climatic conditions to enhance overall efficiency. This thesis focuses on the incorporation of climate-responsive building elements into the design of a faculty of environmental studies. The study site chosen is the Federal University Birnin Kebbi in Nigeria, characterized by its challenging climatic conditions, characterized by intense solar radiation and high temperatures. This selection affords the opportunity to examine the impact of harsh weather on faculty buildings within the region.
Three faculty buildings were selected randomly within the study area, then modeled and subjected to analysis using Ecotect simulation software and historical climatic data. The simulations were based on peak solar radiation periods (February to June) and an extreme recorded temperature of 45°C on April 10th, 2011. The results indicate a relatively improved performance along the East and West facades of the main functional areas in the faculty buildings, exhibiting an average temperature differential of 1 to 3 degrees Celsius compared to the outdoor environment. Similarly, there is a notable enhancement in performance along the North and South facades of the faculty buildings that house less critical functions, with an average temperature differential of 3 to 6 degrees Celsius.
Subsequently, a climate-conscious design proposal featuring integrated courtyard verandas and shading devices was simulated and compared against the chosen case studies. The simulation outcomes demonstrate significantly superior performance compared to the existing case studies. This new design yielded temperature moderation levels of 3.5 to 6 degrees Celsius for major functional areas. The research findings underscore the lack of consideration for extreme microclimatic conditions in the design of the faculty buildings. Moreover, they emphasize that a climate-conscious design approach not only enhances building performance but also curbs carbon dioxide emissions by reducing excessive energy consumption.
To address these issues, the study advocates for policy enforcement concerning planning regulations, compelling designers to adopt a holistic design approach that harmonizes building elements with the microclimate.
EVALUATION ON CLIMATE-RESPONSIVE DESIGN FOR FACULTY OF ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES, FEDERAL UNIVERSITY BIRNIN KEBBI,  GET MORE, ACTUARIAL SCIENCE PROJECT TOPICS AND MATERIALS
