Evaluation Of Bioclimatic Principles In Design Of Tropical High-Rise Dwellings – Case Studies From Africa

Abstract

High-rise dwellings provide a unique solution for maximizing urban land use. With the increase in climate consciousness and the demand for energy-efficient buildings globally, saving the environment is the most vital issue that humankind must address today; thus designing ecologically is crucial. The bioclimatic approach to high-rise building design has been put forward as a vehicle for achieving energy-efficient and climate considerate tall buildings. However, a lot is yet to be understood regarding the performance of existing high-rise building stock. The aim of this study was to conduct a pilot survey to evaluate the application of bioclimatic design principles in high-rise residential buildings in the hot-humid tropical climate of Nigeria through a participatory survey of the stakeholders in three high-rise building complexes. Primary data was collected for the study by physical observation, field measurement and interviews of the residents and management. Secondary data was obtained from existing literature published by the estate management as well as literature already in the public domain. Results showed that building envelope and orientation, solar shading, and indoor air quality were the most provided while Energy efficiency and heating/cooling and sustainable landscape were the least provided in the three studied complexes. Eko Atlantic Towers (Black pearl and Champagne pearl), showed the highest mean weighting of 1.27 (38%) compared to the #4 Bourdillon 1.18 (35%) and Eko-Court towers 0.93(27%) respectively. Eco court tower had the least provision for bioclimatic design principles. With a collective mean weight value of 1.13 (low provision), the study reveals that the design of high-rise residential buildings in the study area did not fully take into cognizance the application of bioclimatic principles. The study recommends active legislative action toward enacting and implementing bioclimatic design principles in the design of future high-rise buildings in the study area.