Evaluation of Thermal Comfort in The Design of Student Hostel at Federal University of Technology Minna, Nigeria

Abstract

Buildings are designed to offer protection to the occupants against harshoutdoor environment thereby enhancing optimal indoor comfort. Overthe years, there have been a rise in population of students applying foradmission into tertiary institution, which has led to an increase in thenumber of students that resides at the university hostel. These rise in thenumber of students, has brought about overcrowding and stretching offacilities, with spaces which were originally intended for four students arenow been habited by six to eight students thereby causing imbalance inthe general indoor climatic condition. The study is aimed at investigatingthermal comfort in student’s accommodation in tertiary institutionstowards achieving a better thermal condition in the hostel environment.The objective is to evaluate the thermal performance in the student hostelaccommodation, and also to identify passive ways of controlling thermalperformance in student dwelling buildings at Federal University ofTechnology Minna main campus, Gidan Kwano. For the purpose of thisresearch work, primary data were collected through the use questionnaire,case studies and observation. Secondary data were collected from availableliterature, internet, and studying of similar existing facilities. The studyrevealed that most student hostel possessed few elements of passive coolingtechnique which in turn deprives students a quality conducive environment.The research recommends that soft landscaping elements should be adoptedand deciduous trees planted in the environment for cooling effect duringhot and humid period, provision of two openings in each room if possible.This can be achieved through proper building orientation, use of highthermal mass to reduce heat absorption, use of high thermal mass withnight cooling, roof, ceiling and attic insulation. Designing in a hot climatearea requires lots of consideration, which is mentioned above so as toincorporate a general conducive indoor thermal comfort for the users.