Examining the Impact and Perception of Thermal Comfort on Student Performance in Architectural Studios

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.