Investigating the Impact of Indoor Environmental Disparities' Influence on Youth Comfort and Well-Being in Abuja's Community and Educational Facilities

Abstract

This study investigates disparities in Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) and their impact on user comfort in youth spaces in Abuja, Nigeria. Adopting a mixed-methods approach, we combined quantitative surveys (286 valid responses) with qualitative case study observations to evaluate thermal comfort, air quality, lighting, acoustics, and spatial adaptability. Data analysis using IBM SPSS (descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, Pearson correlations) revealed significant user dissatisfaction with air quality (42.3%) and thermal comfort (32.9%), driven by poor ventilation, rigid layouts, and over-reliance on mechanical cooling. A Chi-square test confirmed a statistically significant association between comfort levels and visit frequency (χ² = 25.19, p = .014), highlighting how environmental discomfort discourages sustained engagement. Case studies of youth centers in Abuja and Lagos, Nigeria, underscored systemic design flaws, including sealed windows, inadequate daylighting, and fixed seating, contradicting user demands for adaptive, climate-responsive spaces. The findings align with global IEQ standards (e.g., ASHRAE) and emphasize the urgency of retrofitting existing facilities with passive strategies. We propose actionable interventions, operable windows, cross ventilation, modular furniture, and solar-powered systems to enhance comfort, flexibility, and energy resilience. By prioritizing participatory design frameworks and user-centered evaluations, this study offers a roadmap for creating inclusive, sustainable youth spaces in Sub-Saharan Africa, urging policymakers and architects to adopt IEQ-sensitive guidelines in rapidly urbanizing regions.