ABSTRACT
Bioclimatic architecture refers to the design of buildings and spaces both interior and exterior, based on local climate, aimed at providing thermal and visual comfort, making use of solar energy and other environmental sources. The aim of this research is to proffer solution to some of the problems of thermal discomfort in academic environment by adopting bioclimatic architecture approach from design to construction stage. The intention is to minimize or eliminate the need for mechanical means of cooling, due to power shortage and the need to conserve energy, it becomes necessary to apply bioclimatic principles especially since the study area; Gadau has harsh (hot temperate) climate weather. This research discussed the key techniques and principles of Bioclimatic architecture, relavant literature were reviewed. The research method adopted in conducting this study was descriptive research which is qualitative in nature. An architectural survey, observation, checklists were used as research instruments. Case studies of exsisting faculty of engineering tecnology were undertaken to evaluate and analyse the application of bioclimatic architecture principles.
However the research findings reveled that major bioclimatic architecture principles were widely apply and explored in the design of institutional buildings in Nigeria, only few variables are not fully applied. The study recommend that single banking design concept, approprite construction techniques and accurate implementation of design (during construction stage) should be adopted inoder to achieve application of major bioclimatic architecture principles in buildings. Lastly, all the findings drawned from this research and analysis were applied in the design proposal of Engineering complex, Bauchi state university, Gadau.
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study
Bioclimatic architecture refers to the design of buildings and spaces both interior and exterior, based on local climate, aimed at providing thermal and visual comfort, making use of solar energy and other environmental sources. Basic elements of bioclimatic design are passive solar systems which are incorporated onto buildings and utilize environmental sources such as; sun, air, wind, vegetation e.t.c for heating, cooling and lighting the buildings.
Accoding to Nahla (2007) the term “Bio-climatic architecture”, refers to the designed as that they readily respond to the effects of the local environment in order to provide comfort conditions for their occupants. Being environmental friendly leads to the construction of comfortable buildings with minimum depletion of natural resources and minimum waste. Bioclimatic consists of two words, „bio‟ meaning the natural form of living things and „climate‟ the regular pattern of weather conditions of a particular place (Hornby, 2000). Bioclimatic architecture according to Proharam (2008) optimizes interactions between building and its environment, thus reduces heating and cooling needs, improving by the same way inhabitant comfort. It is defined by Martinez (2012) as the architecture of a place, taking into consideration the specific climatic conditions of the place, using free resources to reduce environmental impacts and energy consumption. Buildings are therefore, expected to be in tune with the local climate of the region where they are built, and incorporating the environment into it. Its focus is to integrate buildings into their natural environment considering the climatic factors of the location for a particular design. Bioclimatic buildings are designed and built on the basis of local climate and resources (energy and materials). Bioclimatic buildings make efficient use of solar radiation (energy from the sun) and make less use of concrete and aluminum materials that involve lots of energy production, favoring stone, earth and wood materials.
This thesis is all about designing School of Engineering Technology where bioclimatic design principles are applied to achieve a thermally conducive environment that will adequately cater for its users comfort.
1.2 Problem Statement
The building sector is responsible for almost 40% of the total final energy consumption on a national level. This consumption, either in the form of heat (using primarily oil) or electricity, besides being a significant economic burden due to the high cost of energy, results in large scale atmospheric pollution, mainly carbon dioxide (CO2) which is responsible for the greenhouse effect (Bioclimatic Design and Passive Solar Systems, 2015).
Adedayo (2013) stated that In every locality around the world, buildings are erected on daily basis as there is always a need for one form of structure or the other. Buildings consume a lot of natural resources due to various utilities and fittings used in the building system. The used up energy determines the amount of waste generated (Edem, 2010). It is imperative therefore, to be able to synergize our building designs comfortably with the local environment and the micro climate where they are to be built thereby adopting the bioclimatic design approach. The essence of any bioclimatic design is to be able to attain a degree of thermal comfort within structure. The reduction of energy consumption in buildings can be achieved by simple methods and techniques, using an appropriate building design (bioclimatic architecture) and energy efficient systems and technologies, such as passive solar systems.
Thermal comfort is the cognitive state which determines contentment with the thermal environment and is evaluated by individual assessment (Edwards, 1999). It is further defined by British standard as “That condition ofmind which expresses satisfaction with the thermal environment.” Thermal comfort is therefore an important aspect of any designs enclosure as this determines the effectiveness of the buildings occupants. The term „thermal comfort‟ is determined by the state of mind of an individual whether he or she is hot, cold or simply comfortable in their environment (Adedayo, 2013).
In trying to provide thermal comfort, high energy cost has become the most of draw backs institutional buildings there is high need for knowledge and desire to provide comfortable interior with minimal use of active (artificial) means.
Whilst designing for year-round comfort, it is important to pay particular attention to the design for the more dominant season. Gadau is located in what might be called a “summer driven climate”, i.e. warmer weather occupies the major part of the year.
The problem with active means of thermal comfort is that they have by products that produce harmful emission that increase the global warming threat. Effort are being put in place to reduce active means of energy use while newly erected structure tends to have same problem, (Edwards, 1999).
This research is intended to check the extent to which bio-climatic principles can be applied in the design of a college/faculty to ensure design with nature as a remedy to the environment.
1.3 Research Question
The main research questions to this thesis design are:
- What are the core principles of bioclimatic design in hot humid climate?
- To what extent, exploration of bioclimatic principle has enhanced natural environment in our institutional facilities?
- How can this principle influence thermal comfort in an academic environment?
1.4 Aim and Objectives
The aim of this research is to proffer solution to some of the problems of thermal discomfort in academic environment by adopting bioclimatic architecture approach from design to construction.
In order to do this, they can be achieve though the following objectives:
- To determine the core principles of bioclimatic design in hot humid climate.
- To determine the extent of thermal discomfort of academic environment.
- To identify the possible causes of thermal discomfort in academic environment.
- To apply appropriately bioclimatic principles in an engineering complex scheme.
1.5 Scope and Limitation of Research
The research aims at minimizing dependence on active energy e.g. air condition through the creation of a thermally conducive academic environment. This research is limited to the application of bioclimatic principles in the design of faculty of engineering complex. The researchis based on the research findings which will be used to provide a conducive environment that will adequately cater for users comfort. The layout will include the four departments of the Faculty of Engineering technology namely: Department of Mechanical Engineering,Department of Electrical Engineering, Department of Civil Engineering, and Department of Chemical Engineering
1.5 Methodology of Research
Accoding to Rabiu (2014) A project is likely not to be successful as an exercise if a good research approach is not adopted. The aim of this research methodology is not only to unveil the unknown but also to state and clarify the known. The research for this project will be based on descriptive research method. The research methodology is grouped into two:
- Quantitative Element: these include materials like climatic data which shall be analyzed based on their actual values collected. The mode of representation shall be charts, diagrams and tables.
- Qualitative Element: these are elements which shall be allocated variables which shall be weighted based on its attributes, with respect to its positive or negative influence. The weight scale shall be from the number 0 (zero) to the number five
(5), 0 being the lowest threshold and 5 being the highest threshold.
The Source of data collection instrument is group into three:
- Literature review: This include materials like book, papers, journals, write ups and magazines on related topics. Some of the literatures were gotten from existing project related to parts of this research.
Existing documents on climatic data and environmental data in relation to the site location shall be studies to fine out the design implications and studies.
- Case study: Study of similar buildings with similar disciplines as that of the study of architecture shall be analyzed. Basically, qualitative research method will be used in the case study. Which include the following methods;
- Field survey: Visit of buildings and careful observation of its bioclimatic principles features, in faculty of engineering technology building.
1.7 Significance of Study
Buildings are intensive energy consumers, thus contribute significantly to the greenhouse effect and climatic change, and have a severe overall environmental impact. As inhabitants of buildings, we can make our lives more comfortable, preserve the environment, our health and well being. The energy we consume in buildings is costly. It is worthwhile asking ourselves who pays for this consumption and why (Bioclimatic Design and Passive Solar Systems, 2015).
Outwater, Kroutikoa, Cornejo, Kolb & Shiau (2009) stated that all of us affect the energy performance of the buildings we live in. If we are aware of proper design, materials and use of technologies, we can apply them as far as possible in each case. Every action, even the simplest, can have energy benefits for our building. The sun heats buildings. We can make use of this knowledge for passive heating by ustilising bioclimatic design strategies. Buildings should be protected from cold and heat using suitable insulation. Just as we protect ourselves from the sun in the summer, so should we protect the buildings we live in. Natural cooling, compared to air conditioning, not only provides energy saving, economic and environmental benefits, but also constitutes a different approach, having as its goal, human comfort and well-being.We can utilise natural resources, and also reduce the internal loads of buildings accordingly. Buildings must function rationally in order to ensure the efficiency of passive systems and energy saving techniques. We should not forget that energy consumption causes environmental degradation. In contrast, bioclimatic, energy efficient buildings improve the quality of life for their users.
