Perception of Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) In Mental Health Facilities Towards the Design of a Proposed Psychiatric Hospital in Ibadan

The condition of the indoor environment within psychiatric facilities plays a crucial role in the psychological and physical recovery of mental health patients. Although this is widely acknowledged globally, many mental health institutions in Nigeria and throughout sub-Saharan Africa tend to neglect the effects of Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) on patients’ well-being. This research examines the perceptions and implications of IEQ in mental health settings, aiming to guide the design of a new psychiatric hospital in Ibadan, Nigeria. It focuses on essential IEQ factors—thermal comfort, indoor air quality, lighting, and acoustics—and how they impact user experience and health outcomes. The research adopts quantitative research strategy in the form of questionnaire for data collection while the data were analysed using mean ratings and standard deviations, which provided insights into perceptions of the various IEQ factors. The study finds out that there is significant disparity between the current environmental conditions of psychiatric hospitals in Nigeria and recognized global standards. Participants stressed the importance of adaptive design techniques, access to natural light, sound management, sufficient airflow, and thermal comfort in fostering healing environments and sustainability. The research concludes that incorporating evidence-based indoor environmental quality (IEQ) factors into the architectural design of mental health facilities can greatly enhance patient recovery rates, improve staff productivity, and elevate overall healthcare service delivery. It advocates for patient-focused and sustainable architectural solutions that improve environmental quality while aligning with clinical objectives. This study recommends that policy-driven design reforms that emphasize IEQ in mental health infrastructure should be instituted.