Bioclimatic Design Strategies for Sustainable Thermal Comfort of Mosque Architecture in Hot-Dry Climates: Evidence From Wudil, Kano State, Nigeria

The increasing demand for sustainable and energy-efficient buildings has highlighted the need for religious architecture to adopt climate-responsive design strategies. This study assessed the application of bioclimatic architectural principles in selected mosque buildings in Kano State, Nigeria, to enhance thermal comfort and reduce dependence on mechanical cooling systems. A mixed-method case study approach was adopted, involving visual observations, structured interviews, and professional assessments of two purposively selected mosques. Building professionals evaluated the extent of compliance with selected bioclimatic principles using a five-point scale based on design desirability and thermal performance. The assessed variables included building orientation, natural ventilation, evaporative cooling, thermal mass and insulation, shading devices, and vegetation. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and cross-tabulation techniques. The findings revealed that the selected mosques moderately incorporated natural ventilation, thermal mass and insulation, and shading devices, whereas evaporative cooling and vegetation strategies were poorly used. The building orientation exhibited varying levels of compliance across the case studies. The study concludes that the integrated application of climate-responsive bioclimatic design strategies can significantly improve thermal comfort, reduce energy consumption, and enhance the environmental sustainability of mosque buildings in hot-dry climates. The findings provide practical design recommendations for architects, policymakers, and mosque administrators involved in the development of sustainable religious buildings