The impact of courtyards and window designs on thermal and visual comfort conditions in adobe traditional buildings of Nigeria

Most traditional buildings are designed based on factors such as ventilation, thermal comfort, wind flow, etc. Courtyards and windows are common features of Vernacular architecture and they play major roles in maintaining both Visual and thermal comfort in traditional building practices. The influence of courtyards and window designs on ventilation, daylighting, and thermal comfort is specific to a region shaped by local climate, culture, and available resources. This study analyzes the comfort conditions (thermal and visual) of Ilorin adobe Traditional buildings in the Warm Humid region of Nigeria, West Africa. This study aims to understand and analyze how courtyards, window sizes, designs, and arrangements affect occupants’ comfort and overall environmental performance through a combination of case studies, fieldwork, and computer simulations (Optivent 2.1 and Andrewmarsh simulation tools). The study will evaluate the efficacy of various environmental and window design options to encourage natural ventilation, maximize daylight penetration, and improve thermal conditions. The performance predictions and output of simulations will help in identifying strategies for reducing energy consumption, provide a useful understanding of sustainable design principles for adobe traditional buildings, and also offer directions to designers, conservationists, and policymakers to preserve cultural heritage while maintaining comfort and healthy living conditions.