Passive design and sustainability convergence: Relevance and expectations from built environment professionals

Abstract

Accelerated population growth, increased urbanization and industrial revolution have produced cities of unsatisfactory and unsustainable settlements that use resources inefficiently. A lot can be accomplished from the application of necessary passive design strategies for the creation of livable cities. This study seeks to investigate current level of application of passive design considerations in attaining sustainable built environment. The study focuses on Architecture professionals being the lead creators of built environment assets. Quantitative data was gathered from 100 senior architect respondents from selected architectural firms in Lagos state. The data from respondents was analyzed using descriptive statistics and the results presented to ascertain the application level of these strategies by the sampled respondents. The study revealed significant awareness amongst most architects on the application benefits of passive design concepts in creating buildings with reduced energy consumption need and provision of internal comfort for building occupants. The study however revealed that 73.7% still remain undecided about fully incorporating same into their entire design and built process. Lack of enforcement of sustainability implementation measures and lack of required skill-set was identified as major reasons for low considerations of passive design strategies amongst the sampled respondents. The study recommends that the introduction of passive design concept into educational curriculum and formulation of workable and inclusive policies by government would facilitate city sustainability. Keywords: Architectural firms, Built environment, City sustainability, Environmental stress, Livable cities, Passive design.