Balancing Architectural Expression and Climatic Responsiveness in Tropical Climate: A Case-Study Evaluation of Glazed Office Façades in Lagos, Nigeria

Abstract

The issue of finding balance between architectural expression and effective climatic
performance in tropical high-rise buildings continues to be problematic. The paper presents a
comparative analysis of two LEED Gold certified office towers (Heritage Place and Kings
Tower) in Ikoyi, Lagos, Nigeria. Drawing on architectural phenomenology, the research the
research aims at identifying the influence of facade design and spatial organization on
environmental performance and users' perception. Through physical observation over one
week and content analysis of the building, the study found that while high façade transparency
delivers excellent daylight, it causes unpleasant glare and thermal conditions unless moderated
by deliberate passive strategies. In comparison with Heritage Place and its curtain wall facade,
the perforated aluminum screen and curvilinear shape of Kings Tower that was inspired by
sails of the boats in the Lagos Lagoon proved to be much more climate-responsive and
provided a comfortable internal environment. The results show that successful tropical facade
design is the result of the combination of material expression, spatial logic and climatic
responsiveness. Practical recommendations for architects and policymakers working in Lagos
are suggested.