Purpose This study aims to assess user satisfaction with daylighting design, features and arrangements in selected indoor sports facilities across Southwest, Nigeria. It identifies key challenges and their impact on user experience, performance and energy efficiency. Design/methodology/approach A quantitative deductive approach was used, using structured questionnaire administered to 228 users (athletes, coaches, spectators and managers) across six indoor sports halls in Lagos, Oyo and Ondo States. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Kruskal-Wallis H tests and ordinal analysis (ORDANOVA) to evaluate perceptions, challenges and satisfaction levels. Findings Users reported significant dissatisfaction with daylighting adequacy (weighted mean = 2.29), glare control (2.19) and visual comfort (2.23). Key challenges included insufficient natural light (mean = 3.29), excessive glare (3.39), poor maintenance (3.22) and weather disruptions (3.44). Regression confirmed glare control (ß = 0.48) and natural light availability (ß = 0.31) as primary drivers of dissatisfaction. Daylighting had minimal perceived impact on athletic performance (2.34) or energy savings (2.20). Research limitations/implications The study is geographically limited to Southwest Nigeria and relies on self-reported data. Future research should incorporate physical measurements of illuminance and climate-based simulations. Originality/value This study provides an empirical evaluation of daylighting dissatisfaction in West African indoor sports facilities, addressing a critical gap in tropical climate contexts. It establishes a climate-responsive evaluation framework adaptable to high-irradiance, low-resource regions – directly supporting Sustainable Development Goals 3 (good health and well-being), 7 (affordable and clean energy) and 11 (sustainable cities and communities) and offers evidence-based retrofit strategies for designers and policymakers.
Adebakin et al. (Wed,) studied this question.