BUILDING DESIGN AND CLIMATE IN KPAKUNGU

Abstract

BSTRACT Climatic considerations in relation to building design and general layout of estates have often been neglected and this we have often paid dearly for in terms of climate related disasters such as flood, erosion, collapse of buildings, diseases e.t.c. This study centered on the assessment of the design of buildings in; and the general layout of Kpakungu, Minna Local Government Area of Niger State, relative to its climate. Data were obtained for analysis by interviewing of the inhabitants, physical measurement and observation of vital parameters of study such as design of buildings, materials of construction, constructional methods, and climate variables e.t.c. Questionnaires containing questions of relevance were distributed and response collated and analysed using statistical methods such as percentages, means etc; pictures (on the spot) were also taken and anal ysed. Major findings from the study shows that the design of the buildings 111 the study area, the constructional methods employed and the building materials used mostly are not in COnf0D11ity with the climate of the area. The entire layout of the area is absolutely not good. climate related disasters such as fl ood, erosion, rainstorm and diseases of various types such as malaria, typhoid, meningitis, measles and others are prevalent in the area, few lives have been lost and there is a prediction of many more to come.