Evaluation of Thermal Comfort Strategies in Rehabilitation and Wellness Centres

Vollständiger Abstract

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Thermal comfort is a critical component of rehabilitation and wellness-centre design because physically active users generate substantial metabolic heat and may be vulnerable to heat stress. This study evaluated thermal comfort strategies in selected rehabilitation, wellness, and gymnasium facilities in Ibadan, Nigeria, with the aim of informing the design of the Adewole Rasheed Ladoja Gymnasium. A mixed-method approach combined questionnaire survey, field observation, architectural documentation and case-study assessment. A sample of 307 responses was drawn from a weekly population estimate of 1,340 users across seven purpose-built facilities. Findings showed that the facilities relied strongly on basic passive strategies, particularly mechanical fans (91.0%), shading devices (88.0%), large operable windows (86.0%), daylighting (85.0%), high ceilings (84.0%) and cross-ventilation (81.0%), while wall insulation (49.0%), thermal-mass materials (46.0%) and thermostats (41.0%) were less common. Perceived effectiveness was generally positive, with daylighting and combined passive-mechanical systems recording the highest average mean values (AMV = 4.12), while comfort during high humidity (3.50), physical activities (3.59), and the reasonableness of cooling energy consumption (3.38) remained weaker. Outdoor temperature (4.34), solar radiation (4.32), relative humidity (4.28), ventilation design (4.25), and air movement (4.23) were the most influential thermal-comfort factors. Major management challenges were the need for additional passive cooling (4.36), adverse outdoor climatic conditions (4.32), power outages (4.26), limited funding (4.15), and high energy costs (4.08). The study concludes that thermal comfort in the sampled facilities is generally acceptable but remains vulnerable under high humidity, intense activity and energy constraints. It recommends integrated climate-responsive design based on cross-ventilation, shading, appropriate orientation, insulated and reflective envelopes, landscaping, energy-efficient mechanical systems, regular maintenance, and reliable backup energy for the proposed gymnasium.