Thermal Comfort Performance in Mixed-Use High-Rise Buildings in Southwestern Nigeria: Implications for Climate-Responsive Design in Ogbomoso

Abstract

Thermal comfort is a critical component of indoor environmental quality in mixed-use high-rise buildings, particularly within hot-humid urban environments where solar exposure, inadequate ventilation, and dependence on mechanical cooling can significantly affect occupant well-being and building performance. This study evaluates thermal comfort conditions in selected mixed-use high-rise buildings in Ibadan, Southwestern Nigeria, with the aim of informing the design of a thermally efficient and climate-responsive mixed-use high-rise development in Ogbomoso. The study adopted a mixed-methods approach, combining questionnaire surveys, field measurements, environmental assessment, and thermal comfort modelling across selected high-rise buildings. A total of 270 valid occupant responses were analysed using descriptive statistics, Mean Weighted Value (MWV), and thermal comfort indicators, while environmental conditions were assessed using PMV/PPD and the Adaptive Comfort Model. Findings indicate that occupants generally experience warm indoor conditions, with overheating, inadequate airflow, humidity, and dependence on mechanical cooling emerging as major concerns. Mechanical cooling recorded the highest perception score (MWV = 3.56), while frequent overheating recorded an MWV of 3.31. Thermal modelling further indicated positive PMV values ranging from +0.7 to +1.2, with corresponding PPD values of 17–30%, confirming a general tendency toward warm thermal conditions. Among the case studies, Premier Hotel demonstrated comparatively better thermal performance, while Cocoa House recorded the greatest thermal stress. Respondents showed strong support for passive and climate-responsive measures, particularly passive cooling (MWV = 3.92), natural ventilation (MWV = 3.88), climatic responsiveness (MWV = 3.89), and occupant comfort as a design priority (MWV = 3.98). The study concludes that thermal performance in mixed-use high-rise buildings is strongly influenced by the interaction of architectural configuration, climatic conditions, passive design measures, and occupant adaptation. It recommends that future high-rise developments in Ogbomoso prioritize building orientation, solar shading, natural ventilation, thermally responsive façades, appropriate material selection, green infrastructure, and adaptive comfort principles to reduce mechanical cooling dependence and improve occupant comfort.