Climate-Responsive Strategies for Enhancing Thermal and Psychological Comfort in Specialist Hospitals Abuja, Nigeria

This study examines climate-responsive strategies capable of improving thermal and psychological comfort in specialist hospitals within Abuja’s tropical climate. Motivated by persistent user discomfort arising from excessive indoor heat, inadequate ventilation, limited outdoor shading and weak biophilic integration, the research adopted a mixed-methods design involving structured questionnaires administered to 75 valid respondents, case-study appraisal of selected local and international healthcare facilities, and climatic analysis of Abuja. Descriptive statistics (mean scores, standard deviations and ranking) were used to analyses quantitative data. Findings revealed that healing gardens (mean = 4.44), child-centred healing spaces (mean = 4.35) and clear functional zoning (mean = 4.32) ranked highest among suitable strategies, while green walls, green roofs and rainwater systems remained poorly integrated in existing facilities. Major comfort challenges included poor outdoor shading (mean = 4.35), excessive indoor heat (mean = 4.31) and inadequate natural ventilation (mean = 4.20). Significant barriers were prohibitive upfront costs, limited funding and poor maintenance culture. The study concludes that an integrated application of passive design, biophilic elements and selective natural ventilation in non-critical spaces can substantially enhance users’ comfort without compromising clinical safety. Recommendations include early incorporation of climate-responsive strategies, strengthened green-building policies and maintenance planning from the design stage