Evaluating Climate Responsive Landscape Design Strategies for Enhancing Outdoor Thermal Comfort in Tropical University Environments

Abstract

Outdoor spaces in tropical university campuses such as the University of Lagos face significant thermal discomfort caused by intense solar radiation, high temperatures, and humidity. Climate responsive landscape design plays an important role in improving campus conditions through vegetation, shading, spatial arrangement, and material selection. However, existing research remains largely concentrated in temperate regions, with limited qualitative studies examining how landscape design influences thermal comfort within Nigerian universities. This study qualitatively evaluated climate responsive landscape strategies for enhancing outdoor thermal comfort at the University of Lagos (UNILAG). A case study approach was adopted using site observations, spatial documentation, and structured questionnaire surveys with 305 campus users. Findings revealed that 61% of respondents rated outdoor thermal conditions as uncomfortable or very uncomfortable, with lack of shade (78%) and high air temperature (74%) identified as primary drivers of discomfort. The study concludes that expanded tree canopy, shaded walkway networks, and high-albedo paving materials represent the highest priority interventions for tropical campus landscapes.