User perceived comfort in semi outdoor learning spaces for formal university teaching

Semi-outdoor learning spaces are being increasingly integrated into educational institutions as flexible alternatives to traditional classrooms, particularly in regions with warmer climates. While their use is growing, there is a significant gap in research concerning how environmental comfort affects user satisfaction and perceived learning outcomes. This study explored the comfort perceived by users in semi-outdoor learning spaces in universities, focusing on formal instruction and other academic pursuits. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative survey with qualitative interviews conducted at four purposefully chosen universities in Southwest Nigeria. A total of forty-eight individuals participated in interviews, while 480 questionnaires were disseminated using stratified and simple random sampling methods, resulting in an 85% response rate (n = 408). Pearson correlation analysis was performed to investigate the relationships between users' perceived comfort and satisfaction within these environments. The findings highlighted a distinct separation between environmental comfort and functional efficiency. Participants reported high satisfaction levels concerning air quality, aesthetic attributes, and opportunities for active engagement, indicating that semi-outdoor environments can enhance participation and foster visually and physically attractive educational settings. Nevertheless, these spaces received poor evaluations for concentration, privacy, and their suitability for formal lecture-based teaching, with challenges related to acoustics, spatial organization, and visual clarity impeding learning effectiveness. The research indicates that although environmental comfort contributes to satisfaction, it is insufficient on its own to ensure effective functioning. Targeted interventions are necessary, such as enhancements in acoustics, redesigning spaces, improving environmental controls, and implementing better privacy measures, to align comfort with educational needs. Future research should employ more advanced statistical techniques, such as multiple regression analysis and Structural Equation Modelling (SEM), to more accurately examine the direct and indirect relationships between environmental, spatial, and ergonomic factors and user satisfaction. Furthermore, exploring the long-term effects of semi-outdoor learning environments on student performance and academic achievement is suggested to gain a deeper insight into their educational advantages.