ABSTRACT
Nigeria's hot and humid climate poses challenges for achieving thermal comfort in contemporary residential architecture. This research investigates the potential of modernizing traditional building methods, prevalent in Benin City, Nigeria, to enhance thermal comfort and energy efficiency in modern dwellings.
The study begins by examining the limitations of current building practices, which often rely heavily on concrete and lack effective passive cooling strategies. It then delves into Benin City's rich architectural heritage, emphasizing traditional elements such as large roofs, courtyards, verandas, and the use of locally sourced materials with low thermal mass.
By synthesizing existing literature and analyzing relevant case studies, this research proposes modernization strategies that integrate traditional wisdom with contemporary design principles and advancements. The ultimate aim is to develop sustainable and climate-responsive design approaches for residential buildings in Benin City, offering improved thermal comfort while respecting cultural heritage.
