Investigating Architecture Students’ use of Passive Design Strategies in Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria.

Abstract

One of the most contemporary discourses in architectural practice and research is passive design, particularly with the current reality of climate change. This is because it can be used to promote thermal comfort and energy efficiency in buildings. However, there is little or no studies on the extent of using these strategies by the architecture students’ in their designs. Therefore, this research aims to assess the use of passive design strategies by students of architecture department in Covenant University. Covenant University was chosen as a case study in this study because it is one of the best schools of architecture in Nigeria. It and accredited by the Nigerian Institute of Architects and the Architects Registration Council of Nigeria. The research was carried out by administering close-ended questionnaires to the architecture student (200level –Msc2). Using the Yemane formula, the sample size obtained was 150. The survey carried out between March and April 2019. The results were presented using descriptive statistics, and the 5-point Likert Scale was used as a means of measurement. The key finding revealed that most students have knowledge of passive design and also incorporate it into their design studio. Majority of the architecture students came across passive design and its strategies through personal studies. The top three major factors that influence the students’ use of passive design strategies are; design brief, Level of knowledge, and site constraints. The study ends with the following recommendation that seminars should be organized for students and lecturers to improve the adoption of passive designs by Student Architect.