Authors : Odoyi, Faith Chizubem; Dr. Dimkpa Kelechukwu

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 6 - June

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/mvrut74t

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/mwx9t5zk

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26jun2004

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.

Abstract : Youth Development Centres served as important facilities for empowering young people through vocational training, entrepreneurship, recreation, and social engagement. However, many youth facilities in tropical regions like portharcourt faced challenges related to thermal discomfort, excessive energy consumption, inadequate ventilation, poor daylighting, and limited responsiveness to local climatic conditions. These challenges often reduced building performance and negatively affected user experience. Climate-responsive design emerged as a sustainable architectural approach that integrated environmental considerations into building planning and design to improve functionality, energy efficiency, and occupant well-being. This study examined the impact of climate-responsive design strategies on the design of Youth Development Centres in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. The study explored key strategies including building orientation, natural ventilation, daylight optimization, shading devices, landscape integration, courtyard planning, and passive cooling techniques. A qualitative research methodology involving literature review, observational studies, and comparative case study analysis was adopted. The findings revealed that climate-responsive design strategies significantly improved environmental performance, reduced operational costs, enhanced spatial quality, and promoted user comfort within youth facilities. The study concluded that integrating climate-responsive principles into the planning and design of Youth Development Centres could contribute to the creation of sustainable, adaptable, and user centered environments that support youth development activities in tropical regions.

Keywords : Climate-Responsive Design, Youth Development Centre, Passive Design, Natural Ventilation, Sustainable Architecture.

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