From Faith to Function: Passive Design Strategies for Enhancing Thermal Comfort in Religious Youth Camps

Religious youth camps in Nigeria play an important role in the spiritual growth, moral formation, and social development of young people. Despite their significance, many of these camps are poorly designed, with buildings that lack proper ventilation, shading, and orientation, leading to uncomfortable indoor conditions especially during hot and humid seasons. This study explores how passive design strategies can improve thermal comfort in Christian youth camps in Southwest Nigeria. Using a qualitative case study approach, three camps were examined through site visits, building assessments, and observations of environmental conditions. The findings show that simple measures such as aligning buildings with prevailing winds, creating shaded courtyards, using roof overhangs, and selecting local materials with good thermal properties can make indoor spaces noticeably cooler and more comfortable. Camp participants reported feeling less fatigued and more engaged in worship, learning, and recreational activities in well-designed areas. The study highlights that passive design not only reduces reliance on electricity and generators but also supports better spiritual experiences. Recommendations are offered for architects, and policymakers of this religious youth camps to create youth camps that are both environmentally responsive and supportive of faith-based activities.