Chapter One — 1.1 Background to the Study

Over the past decade, the relationship between building orientation and thermal comfort has become a subject of considerable debate among scholars and industry practitioners alike, particularly within the context of Selected States in South-West Nigeria where operating conditions differ markedly from more developed markets.

Within the context of Selected States in South-West Nigeria, this relationship carries particular significance. Organizations in this setting operate under a distinct combination of economic, regulatory, and market conditions that may amplify or dampen the effect of building orientation on thermal comfort, making a context-specific inquiry both timely and necessary.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Despite a growing body of literature on building orientation, there remains limited consensus on the precise nature of its relationship with thermal comfort, particularly within Selected States in South-West Nigeria. Many organizations continue to make decisions about building orientation without a clear, evidence-based understanding of how those decisions ultimately affect thermal comfort. This gap between practice and empirical understanding is the central problem this study seeks to address.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

1. To examine the effect of Building Orientation on thermal comfort in Selected States in South-West Nigeria.
2. To assess the extent to which building orientation influences thermal comfort within the study area.
3. To identify the challenges associated with building orientation in relation to thermal comfort.
4. To recommend strategies for optimizing building orientation in order to improve thermal comfort.

1.4 Research Questions

1. What is the effect of building orientation on thermal comfort in Selected States in South-West Nigeria?
2. To what extent does building orientation influence thermal comfort within the study area?
3. What challenges are associated with building orientation in relation to thermal comfort?
4. What strategies can be adopted to optimize building orientation in order to improve thermal comfort?

1.5 Significance of the Study

Beyond its academic contribution to the field of architecture, this study has practical value for management teams within Selected States in South-West Nigeria seeking to understand how building orientation translates into measurable outcomes around thermal comfort. It is equally useful to students and future researchers looking for a localized empirical reference on this relationship.

1.6 Scope of the Study

In terms of scope, this study confines itself to Selected States in South-West Nigeria, focusing specifically on how building orientation relates to thermal comfort within that setting. Findings are interpreted within these boundaries rather than as universal claims applicable to every organization or market.