ASSESSMENT OF ASPECT RATIO AND CONFIGURATION EFFECTS IN CORPORATE OFFICE BUILDINGS COURTYARD, IN ABUJA, NIGERIA

Abstract

The courtyard is known as a micro-climate modifier and has been used in many houses over centuries in several countries. The corporate office which incorporates many administrative functions, consumes lots of energy due to lighting and cooling, as thus measures of self-sustainability should be integrated. The aim of this research is to identify aspect ratio and configuration effect as it affect airflow, shading and thermal mass of the building in-order to promote natural lighting and ventilation in the building. The scope of the research covers government secretariat buildings situated in Abuja municipal area council (AMAC), Abuja. Descriptive research approach was utilised in carrying out the research using observation method, data was collected by means of observation schedule from field work. Stratified random sampling technique was used to study office buildings in Abuja, the primary data obtained was analysed using SPSS software, version 19 and bar charts were used to show the results. The result revealed that, 75% of the 8 sample size assessed, had aspect ratio moderate and above, 75% made use of the semi- enclosed courtyard. 25% of the buildings had aspect ratio to be low. 25% of the courtyard configuration were fully enclosed. It is therefore recommended that, Courtyard should be designed with high aspect ratio in consideration especially in office buildings, to reduce cost of artificial lighting. The semi- enclosed courtyard configuration should be continually encouraged, as this has been identified by many researchers to be the most effective.