KINETIC SYSTEMS AND OCCUPANT COMFORT IN MIXED-USE HIGH-RISE BUILDINGS: EVIDENCE FROM GLOBAL CASE STUDIES AND ABUJA SIMULATION

This study examines kinetic systems as an adaptive means of improving thermal, visual and spatial comfort in mixed-use high-rise buildings, with particular attention to their relevance to Abuja, Nigeria. A mixed-method approach combined a review of recent literature, comparative analysis of four international precedents Bund Finance Centre, Al Bahr Towers, Suite Vollard and 30 St Mary Axe and daylight-factor simulation of a ten-storey Abuja prototype. The case analysis indicates that performance-oriented kinetic systems, particularly solar-responsive shading, offer greater environmental value than movement intended mainly for visual expression. Al Bahr Towers recorded the strongest overall comparative performance, while 30 St Mary Axe demonstrated the value of combining passive environmental control with limited active responsiveness. Simulation of the Abuja prototype showed daylight-factor ranges of 0.8–8.0%, with deeper intermediate floors presenting the weakest daylight conditions. The study identifies a research gap in the limited integration of kinetic systems, tropical climatic conditions, mixed-use requirements and realistic maintenance considerations. It proposes transferable principles centred on solar responsiveness, hybrid operation, functional zoning, maintainability and local fabrication