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    ASSESSMENT OF PASSIVE DESIGN STRATEGIES FOR ENHANCING USERS’ COMFORT IN DENNIS OSADEBEY UNIVERSITY LIBRARY, ASABA, NIGERIA
    (Covenant University Ota, 2025-07) AMADHE, Florence Ewomazino; Covenant University Dissertation
    Academic libraries in tropical regions like southern Nigeria often suffer from poor environmental control and user discomfort due to limited application of passive design strategies. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of passive design elements in enhancing user comfort, with a focus on informing the design of a proposed academic library at Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba. The research was guided by Environmental Comfort Theory and the Bioclimatic Design Framework, which emphasize human-centred, climate-responsive architectural solutions. Four objectives directed the study: to examine effective implementations of passive strategies in hot-humid climates; to determine the extent of adoption in selected academic libraries; to evaluate how the presence or absence of these strategies impacts user comfort; and to apply the findings in the design of a new academic library. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining literature review, structured observations, international case analyses, and a user survey involving 315 respondents. Data analysis included content analysis, descriptive statistics, Spearman’s rank correlation, and CATREG regression modeling. Findings from the literature review revealed that natural ventilation, daylighting, spatial zoning, thermal massing, and shading devices are among the most frequently recommended passive design strategies for hot-humid climates. Observations from three academic libraries in Delta State showed limited implementation of ventilation and shading strategies, though daylight access and spatial layout were moderately considered. Survey results indicated strong correlations between user comfort and proximity to windows, daylight quality, and spatial flexibility, with regression analysis identifying spatial layout (β = 0.402), artificial lighting, and sunlight control as the strongest predictors of comfort (Adjusted R² = 0.530). These findings informed the final architectural design proposal, incorporating passive techniques adapted to Asaba’s climatic context. The study concludes that passive design strategies significantly enhance comfort in academic libraries and recommends prioritizing adaptable layouts, hybrid ventilation systems, and daylight optimization in future institutional projects.