Passive Strategies for Sustainable Mixed-Use Buildings in Abuja, Nigeria

Rapid urbanisation in Abuja is increasing demand for mixed-use buildings that accommodate diverse functions while limiting pressure on land, infrastructure, and energy resources. This study examines integrated passive strategies for improving environmental performance and supporting sustainable mixed-use development in Abuja. It aims to examine the relationship between mixed-use development and sustainability, synthesise evidence on passive strategies, assess their reported effectiveness, identify strategies relevant to Abuja’s tropical savannah climate, and establish the basis for an integrated framework. A systematic literature review was conducted using recent peer-reviewed studies identified from major academic databases and reported in accordance with PRISMA 2020. Evidence was screened against predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, extracted thematically, and synthesised around thermal comfort, energy performance, climate responsiveness, and implementation conditions. The review indicates that orientation, natural ventilation, solar control, daylighting, appropriate envelope characteristics, thermal mass, and landscape integration can improve indoor comfort and reduce cooling demand when applied in combination rather than isolation. However, evidence specific to mixed-use buildings in Abuja remains limited, while implementation is constrained by cost, technical capacity, awareness, and regulatory enforcement. The study therefore establishes a context-sensitive evidence base for integrating passive strategies into sustainable mixed-use development in Abuja and inform future urban practice locally