http://irepo.futminna.edu.ng:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/46 Architecture 2026-09-10T20:26:47Z http://irepo.futminna.edu.ng:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/31963 Title: Spatial Characteristics of Outdoor Spaces That Support User’s Activities Within Hospitals in Abuja, Nigeria Authors: Onuwe, J. O.; Ogunsote, O. O.; Aluko, O. O. Abstract: Hospital outdoor spaces (HOS) play an important role in supporting physical and mental wellbeing among patients and visitors. These spaces are often designed to serve as auxiliary spaces within the hospital environment in developed countries, while it is often ignored in underdeveloped countries. The study aims to identify the spatial characteristics within the hospital's outdoor space that optimally support users’ activities. It employed a mixed method using a purposive sampling technique, the studied hospitals were selected within Abuja, Nigeria based on their outdoor spatial characteristics. A 5-point Likert scale was used to assess the perception of both physical and social attributes derived from hospital outdoor spaces. A total of 343 questionnaires were returned and analyzed for this study. The observation of human activities, and administering of the questionnaire were done alongside measuring microclimatic parameters in three phases between the hours of 9:00 am – 12:00 pm, 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm, and 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm for five working days of the week. The results reveal a lack of inclusiveness of hospital outdoor spaces in their design which makes the spaces unsuitable for the various human activities. It also identifies the significant relationship between spatial characteristics and user activities to be optimal, if such spaces are designed and located close to the various units within the facility. The study concludes by suggesting that policies should be implemented that make hospital outdoor spaces an integral part of hospital design for a more sustainable hospital environment. Description: Outdoor study 2025-03-01T00:00:00Z http://irepo.futminna.edu.ng:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/31962 Title: Computing the Operative Temperature in Selected Hospitals’ Outdoor Spaces in Abuja, Nigeria Authors: Onuwe, J. O. Abstract: Outdoor thermal comfort studies have been understudied especially within the hospital settings. In tropical African continent which records high temperature range, poses a great challenge to human health, and by koppens climate classification, Abuja is within the tropical savannah climate. The study therefore aims at establishing the Operative Temperature (TOp) of users within the outdoor spaces of selected hospitals in Abuja, Nigeria. The study employed a mixed-method approach with field measurement of microclimatic parameter carried out in the dry seasons using data loggers, alongside observation of behaviors within a specified time range, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm, 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm and 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm for each of the studied days. A closed ended questionnaire was employed to survey the user’s perception within the outdoor spaces. Climatic data from NIMET was also collected as a comparative assessment with ASHRAE standard 55. The study showed that, TOp exceeds the standard in the dry season having a value of 32.930C, the Physiological Equivalent Temperature (PET) index at this value indicates a warm sensation. The study concludes that, the design of outdoor spaces within these hospitals were not given due consideration which have resulted in high value of Top recorded and recommends the designing of outdoor spaces to be an integral part of the design stage with the inclusion of landscapes and covered outdoor spaces within the hospitals’ outdoor spaces. Description: Thermal Comfort 2026-03-01T00:00:00Z http://irepo.futminna.edu.ng:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/29933 Title: Examining the Impact and Perception of Thermal Comfort on Student Performance in Architectural Studios Authors: Obi-George, L. C.; Ifebi, O. C.; Adegoke, S. A.; Nzewi, N. U.; Eze, C. J.; Maduka, N. M. Abstract: Well-designed and thermally comfortable educational environments significantly enhance academic performance, concentration, and general well-being. The thermal conditions within these spaces are closely linked to students’ learning outcomes and health. In tropical Nigeria, rising temperatures, particularly during the dry season, have negatively affected the thermal comfort of educational facilities. Architecture students, who spend considerable time in design studios, often encounter uncomfortable thermal conditions intensified by climate change and insufficient design considerations. This research explored how thermal comfort influences students’ productivity and well-being, aiming to enhance students’ academic performance and physical, mental, and social health. A structured questionnaire was distributed to 185 architecture students, and 171 responses were collected for analysis. Descriptive and inferential statistical methods were employed to evaluate the data at different research levels. The results reveal that environmental factors such as temperature, ventilation, and humidity impact productivity, performance, and concentration levels. Lower temperatures, especially during the harmattan season, may improve the performance. Ventilation and air quality also affect performance, but the concentration is situation-dependent. The study concludes that insufficient thermal comfort adversely affects productivity, contributing to psychological challenges and decreased student performance. It is recommended that architects adopt design features that ensure proper ventilation and incorporate passive design strategies to enhance the thermal quality of learning spaces. Description: Nil 2025-05-26T00:00:00Z http://irepo.futminna.edu.ng:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/29796 Title: Therapeutic waiting areas: A study of perceptions of patients and their companions in hospitals Authors: Lawal, L. A.; Makun, C. Y.; Ogunbajo, R. A.; Obideyi, T Abstract: The waiting area has an influence on patients and their companions and plays an important role in accessing medical services. Research suggests that hospitals are stressful environments, with high levels of uncertainty, fear, and anxiety. While the impact of healing and therapeutic features on patients’ in waiting areas of healthcare settings is known in Western cultures and contexts, there has been little or no research focused on the therapeutic features in waiting areas, particularly in Nigeria. This present study examined the perceptions of the features of therapeutic waiting areas and their effects on patients’ hospital experience, stress, and perceived relaxation. A survey questionnaire was employed to collect data from patients and their companions at two hospitals in North Central, Nigeria about their perceptions of therapeutic features in the waiting areas. The data were analysed using standard statistical methods. The results from this study demonstrated the significant importance of having well-designed waiting areas/rooms equipped with appropriate furniture in healthcare settings for the comfort of patients’s and carers. Additionally, views of nature, waiting areas with easy access to natural greenery, the presence of large windows, and calming and relaxing colours were identified as features that improve visual connection to nature and increased positive feelings and moods. The study, the first in a series of waiting room studies in Nigeria, provides valuable insights that can be useful for designing waiting areas in healthcare facilities. It also has the potential for fostering comfortable waiting areas for the wellbeing of patients and users in healthcare environments Description: Nil 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z