Climate-Responsive Design Strategies for Enhancing Indoor Environmental Quality in Low-Income Housing in Lagos, Nigeria: A Review

Rapid urbanization, population growth, and persistent housing shortages in Lagos have intensified the demand for affordable housing while raising concerns about Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ). Many low-income residential developments experience poor thermal comfort, inadequate ventilation, insufficient daylighting, and compromised indoor air quality, negatively affecting occupant health and well-being. This review examined climate-responsive design strategies for enhancing IEQ in selected low-income communities in Lagos, namely Ajeromi-Ifelodun, Mushin, Agege, and Ikorodu (Imota and Ijede). These communities were selected due to their high population densities, prevalence of low-cost housing, infrastructural deficiencies, and recognition in urban development literature as predominantly low-income residential areas. The review synthesized evidence on key IEQ indicators, including thermal comfort, natural ventilation, daylight availability, and indoor air quality. Climate-responsive strategies identified include building orientation, shading devices, cross-ventilation, passive cooling systems, appropriate material selection, and landscape integration. Findings indicate that these strategies can significantly improve indoor comfort, reduce indoor heat gain, enhance air movement, and decrease dependence on mechanical cooling systems. The study concludes that climate-responsive design provides a practical and affordable pathway for improving living conditions in low-income communities in Lagos and recommends greater integration of passive design principles into housing policies, planning regulations, and residential development practices.