Climate-Responsive Architecture and Sustainable Housing in Nigeria

Climate is the prevailing meteorological condition in a given region. It is a measure of the average pattern of variation in elements such as temperature, humidity, solar radiation and wind over long periods of time. The design of pleasant buildings that ensure physiological comfort of users is achieved through an understanding of the climate and the human responsive systems. One of the greatest challenges facing human society in the 21st century is climate change. This refers to any significant change in measures of climate lasting for an extended period. Tackling climate change requires reducing carbon dioxide emissions by changing the ways in which buildings are designed, constructed, managed and used. This paper examines sustainable architecture and housing in Nigeria. It asserts the need for energy-efficient housing design strategies to achieve sustainability in housing and towards attaining of a humane and responsive environment