An assessment of Users’ Satisfaction with the Thermal Comfort of Selected Lecture Theatres in Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Nigeria

Abstract

Thermal discomfort in lecture theatres can create unsatisfactory conditions for effective learning. Achieving a thermally comfortable indoor environment in any building is of great importance for all building users. However, this has become a complex task in educational buildings. This study assessed the thermal comfort parameters in 6 lecture theatres of the main campus of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. The study adopted both the objective and subjective approach of thermal comfort assessment. Checklist was used to characterize lecture theatres while measuring devices were used to collect data on air temperature, relative humidity, and air velocity. A total 510 questionnaire was used to collect data on users’ perception on thermal sensation. Findings from the objective assessment for morning and afternoon sessions, showed that the indoor air temperature, relative humidity, and air velocity were in the range of 27.53oC to 35.59oC, 35.29% to 55.34%, and 0.01 m/s to 1.23 m/s respectively. Findings from the subjective assessment showed the thermal sensation vote to be 28.4% and 18.6% for morning and afternoon votes respectively. Results from the inferential statistical analysis showed significant differences (p≤0.05) in the mean value of the thermal comfort parameters measured across all the theatres. The study recommended that natural ventilation should be adequately augmented with sufficient mechanical ventilation systems in the lecture theatres to enhance the thermal condition of the indoor spaces. Also, future designs of lecture theatres should comply with accepted standard for achieving optimum thermal comfort.