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Original Research Article

Evaluating Human-Centred Design Strategies for Enhancing Occupant Comfort and Well-Being in Institutional Buildings in Lagos, Nigeria.

Ugboh Moses Chukwudi

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Ugboh Moses Chukwudi Corresponding Author

Department of Architecture, Anchor University Lagos, Nigeria

Correspondence: ugbohmoseschuks@gmail.com

Received
26 Oct 2026
Published
10 Nov 2026

Abstract

The quality of indoor environments in institutional buildings significantly influences occupant comfort, productivity, and overall well-being. This study evaluated human-centred design strategies for enhancing occupant comfort and well-being in institutional buildings in Lagos, Nigeria, with a specific focus on university office buildings. A quantitative research design was adopted, utilising a structured questionnaire administered to 55 academic and non-academic staff across selected office buildings. The questionnaire assessed demographic characteristics and perceptions of twenty indoor environmental elements using a seven-point rating scale. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, including mean ratings and frequencies. Findings revealed that office temperature recorded the highest mean rating of 7.9, indicating severe occupant dissatisfaction, followed by indoor air quality at 6.6 and storage space at 6.1. Conversely, availability of work-related meeting rooms and ancillary facilities within the building recorded the lowest mean ratings of 3.9, suggesting relative satisfaction with these elements. The study further identified significant relationships between ergonomic and flexibility factors and occupant satisfaction and efficiency. The findings underscore the critical need for improved thermal comfort strategies, enhanced indoor air quality management, and optimised spatial configurations in institutional buildings. The study concludes that integrating human-centred design principles into building design and facility management can substantially improve occupant well-being and operational efficiency. Recommendations include the adoption of passive cooling strategies, improved ventilation systems, and ergonomic workspace configurations tailored to user needs in Lagos institutional contexts. The study contributes context-specific evidence to inform architectural practice and policy formulation in tropical urban environments.

Keywords:  Human-Centred Design, Occupant Comfort, Ergonomics, Indoor Environmental Quality, Institutional Buildings
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How to Cite

APA

Chukwudi, U. M. (2026). Evaluating Human-Centred Design Strategies for Enhancing Occupant Comfort and Well-Being in Institutional Buildings in Lagos, Nigeria.. British Journal of Advanced Research, 1(5), Article 019. https://doi.org/10.68263/BJAR-KED4BZG6

MLA

Chukwudi, Ugboh Moses. "Evaluating Human-Centred Design Strategies for Enhancing Occupant Comfort and Well-Being in Institutional Buildings in Lagos, Nigeria.." British Journal of Advanced Research, vol. 1, no. 5, 2026, article 019. DOI: https://doi.org/10.68263/BJAR-KED4BZG6

Chicago

Chukwudi, Ugboh Moses. "Evaluating Human-Centred Design Strategies for Enhancing Occupant Comfort and Well-Being in Institutional Buildings in Lagos, Nigeria.." British Journal of Advanced Research 1, no. 5 (2026): 019. https://doi.org/10.68263/BJAR-KED4BZG6

References

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Metadata
ISSN 3153-709X
Tracking ID BJAR_OCT_26_087
Article No. 019
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Article Info
Journal BJAR
Volume Vol 1, No 5
Year 2026
Type Original Research Article
Licence CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
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