Educational building conditions and the health of users

Abstract

In order to maintain a healthy learning environment, diagnosis and management of defects in the educational facility are paramount. The preliminary results of the ongoing research reported here seek to identify defects associated with educational buildings and their effects on the health of polytechnic students and staff in Nigeria. A questionnaire survey, including 34 defects based on a post-occupancy evaluation (POE) was used to establish relationships with the health of polytechnic students and staff. Two hundred (200) respondents were randomly selected based on their schools (faculty) within Lagos State Polytechnic. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for analysis of the collected data. The results of the study indicate that defects such as plumbing and dampness problems, cobwebs and dust, are prominent in the institution. Also the relationship between building conditions (defects) and health problems was established, with the predictors of the health problems. Based on the findings, it is important for designers and managers of facilities within tertiary institutions to develop and implement design and maintenance policies targeted at minimizing the likelihood of plumbing, dampness, electrical, cobweb and dust problems in educational buildings due to the health risks induced by the defects. It is evident that effective maintenance schedules and policies should be put in place to ensure that facilities are not left to decay before replacement.

Post-occupancy evaluation: State-of-the-art analysis and state-of-the-practice review

“…To find functional failures or defects [66,67], investigate overheating risk [68][69][70], expose issues related to occupant control [71], etc.…”

Building Inspection System for Evaluating the Technical Performance of Existing Buildings

“…Cracking (39.6%) and biological action and change (35.8%) were also considered critical. Biological action and change was also identified in previous researches as an important defect on the roof, which is associated with plants growth on the roof, birds action, gutters clogged with leaves, among others [43].…”

“…These defects cover all the electrical system in an extensive way. The well-functioning of the electrical system is so critical, that electrical problems are the ones that have a higher impact on the users health [43], therefore, the preventive maintenance of the electrical system should be verified and checked. >Insert Table 5.…”

Factors influencing the performance of architects in construction projects

“…Architects must guide their clients to prioritise project objectives, provide advice on the project feasibility and project requirement, interpret the ideas of clients into design and help them achieve the overall project objectives (Luo, Zhang and Sher, 2017;Doheim and Yusof, 2020). Moreover, architects must help the building occupants to fulfil their basic needs for dwellings and help them improve their quality of life by creating a place that can accommodate their activities (Abisuga, Famakin and Oshodi, 2016;Afolabi et al, 2018). Therefore, the performance of architects is crucial for ensuring project success.…”