Climate Evolution and Building Typology in the Central African Republic: A Growing Concern

Sustainable construction in tropical regions must reconcile indoor comfort with reduced environmental impacts. Passive design strategies are increasingly promoted as effective means to lower energy demand and carbon emissions. This study analyzes the typology and characterization of residential buildings in Bangui, Central African Republic, to assess the extent to which local practices reflect the seven principles of passive design. Meteorological data covering two decades were collected using environmental sensors, while a large-scale survey was conducted (2,000 questionnaires distributed, 1,783 valid responses). Results revealed a warming trend, with temperature increases of 1.01 °C between 1991 and 1994 and 1.23 °C between 1991 and 2001. These changes have influenced construction practices, as nearly 60% of dwellings now rely on mechanical ventilation or air conditioning. Nonetheless, 55% of walls are built with local materials and 38% of buildings depend on natural ventilation. The study underscores the need to define optimal comfort thresholds and propose a locally adapted bioclimatic model.