User Preferences for Daylighting Elements and Forms in Museum Design: A Case Study of the Adamawa State Museum, Yola

Daylighting in museum design presents a dual challenge: enhancing the visitor experience while safeguarding sensitive artefacts. In tropical hot dry climates like Yola, Nigeria, selecting appropriate daylighting elements is crucial for balancing comfort, preservation, and energy efficiency. This study employed a mixed-methods approach, combining on-site observation with a quantitative survey of 60 visitors at the Adamawa State Museum based on purposive sampling. A structured questionnaire, using a 5-point Likert scale, assessed preferences for daylighting forms, including clerestory windows, skylights, light shelves, and shading devices. Descriptive statistics revealed strong user preference for diffused, indirect light sources, with high scores for glare reduction (4.6), visual comfort (4.5), and high-level openings (4.4). Inferential analysis showed moderate positive correlations between age and glare sensitivity (r = 0.48) and visit frequency and comfort perception (r = 0.52). Findings indicate that users favour daylighting strategies that reduce glare and enhance exhibit visibility. High-level openings and shading devices were most effective in achieving these goals. The study offers actionable insights for climate-responsive museum design in Nigeria and similar regions