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 harsh

outdoor environment thereby enhancing optimal indoor comfort. Over

the years, there have been a rise in population of students applying for

admission into tertiary institution, which has led to an increase in the

number of students that resides at the university hostel. These rise in the

number of students, has brought about overcrowding and stretching of

facilities, with spaces which were originally intended for four students are

now been habited by six to eight students thereby causing imbalance in

the general indoor climatic condition. The study is aimed at investigating

thermal comfort in student’s accommodation in tertiary institutions

towards achieving a better thermal condition in the hostel environment.

The objective is to evaluate the thermal performance in the student hostel

accommodation, and also to identify passive ways of controlling thermal

performance in student dwelling buildings at Federal University of

Technology Minna main campus, Gidan Kwano. For the purpose of this

research work, primary data were collected through the use questionnaire,

case studies and observation. Secondary data were collected from available

literature, internet, and studying of similar existing facilities. The study

revealed that most student hostel possessed few elements of passive cooling

technique which in turn deprives students a quality conducive environment.

The research recommends that soft landscaping elements should be adopted

and deciduous trees planted in the environment for cooling effect during

hot and humid period, provision of two openings in each room if possible.

This can be achieved through proper building orientation, use of high

thermal mass to reduce heat absorption, use of high thermal mass with

night cooling, roof, ceiling and attic insulation. Designing in a hot climate

area requires lots of consideration, which is mentioned above so as to

incorporate a general conducive indoor thermal comfort for the users.