Chapter One — 1.1 Background to the Study

Over the past decade, the relationship between building information modeling (BIM) adoption and thermal comfort has become a subject of considerable debate among scholars and industry practitioners alike, particularly within the context of Selected States in Northern Nigeria where operating conditions differ markedly from more developed markets.

Selected States in Northern Nigeria presents a useful setting for examining this relationship precisely because the conditions there — structural, regulatory, and behavioural — differ from those typically assumed in the broader literature, most of which draws on evidence from more developed economies.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

While building information modeling (BIM) adoption is widely discussed in policy and industry circles, empirical evidence on its actual effect on thermal comfort within Selected States in Northern Nigeria remains sparse and, in places, contradictory. This lack of localized, rigorous evidence makes it difficult for decision-makers to know with confidence whether current approaches to building information modeling (BIM) adoption are helping or hindering thermal comfort — a gap this study sets out to close.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

1. To examine the effect of Building Information Modeling (BIM) Adoption on thermal comfort in Selected States in Northern Nigeria.
2. To assess the extent to which building information modeling (BIM) adoption influences thermal comfort within the study area.
3. To identify the challenges associated with building information modeling (BIM) adoption in relation to thermal comfort.
4. To recommend strategies for optimizing building information modeling (BIM) adoption in order to improve thermal comfort.

1.4 Research Questions

1. What is the effect of building information modeling (BIM) adoption on thermal comfort in Selected States in Northern Nigeria?
2. To what extent does building information modeling (BIM) adoption influence thermal comfort within the study area?
3. What challenges are associated with building information modeling (BIM) adoption in relation to thermal comfort?
4. What strategies can be adopted to optimize building information modeling (BIM) adoption 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 Northern Nigeria seeking to understand how building information modeling (BIM) adoption 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 Northern Nigeria, focusing specifically on how building information modeling (BIM) adoption relates to thermal comfort within that setting. Findings are interpreted within these boundaries rather than as universal claims applicable to every organization or market.