Integration of Sustainable Urban Green Space in Reducing Thermal Heat in Residential Area in Abuja

Abstract

With the world’s population growing at an ever more rapid pace, there is a continuing demand to integrate green spaces to develop residential urban areas. Inadequate green spaces in urban residential housing environment has been contributing to increase in environmental temperature. This research aims to integrate green spaces in the housing environment in order to lower the intense heat caused by sunlight in the residential housing areas of Abuja. The study adopts qualitative methods of research. The methodology employed include interviews and self-structured questionnaires to gather information from the residents on the need of urban green space in residential housing. Total of 370 structured questionnaires were distributed randomly to residents of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) to ascertain the value of green spaces in residential housing, out of which 322 were retrieved. The data was analyzed using descriptive methods. The results revealed four basic factors: comfortability (87.8%), good climate (91.6%), good air quality (86.0%), and good health (85.7%) as major factors for the need of green space in residential areas. Data sourced from secondary data reveals that the benefits of green space in urban residential housing include: good stabilized temperatures, improved air quality, greater quality of health, well being and economic improvement. The study recommends that adequate urban green spaces should be encouraged to ensure good living for the residents. Architects should encourage to introduce green spaces in their designs and stakeholders in building industry should see to it’s implementation. The government through development control unit should ensure that green spaces are enforced.