EVALUATION OF PASSIVE COOLING DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS IN FACULTY OF BASIC MEDICAL SCIENCE BUILDINGS IN NORTHERN NIGERIA

Abstract

The most substantial discuss currently in the built environment of architectural practice and education is “passive design” because it has progressively become difficult for professionals to ignore its concern, considering the energy supply gap especially in Nigeria. Mechanical form of cooling, lighting and ventilating of educational buildings has continuously proven to be unsustainable more so, it is important for faculty buildings to maintain a conductive thermal environment because of the negative impact , the lack of such could have on students cognitive abilities and academic performance. This paper aims to identify the passive cooling design strategies incorporated in faculty of basic medical science buildings in northern Nigeria. The study adopted a descriptive survey method and data on passive cooling design strategies were collected through observation schedule. The random sampling method was the frequency of use and effectiveness of passive cooling design strategies were studied in six (6) sampled faculty buildings. Indicative findings from the studied samples were statistically analyzed and interpreted to show if the passive cooling design strategies were appropriately integrated to achieve thermal comfort. The result showed that passive cooling design considerations were not properly integrated in faculty of basic medical science buildings in northern Nigeria. It is recommended that passive cooling design strategies such as proper building orientation, adequate landscape elements, proper openings, adequate building envelope, thermal insulation, and adequate shading devices should be appropriately incorporated in the design of basic medical science buildings to achieve thermal comfort.