Computing the Operative Temperature in Selected Hospitals’ Outdoor Spaces in Abuja, Nigeria

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.