A PROPOSED ARCHITECTURAL TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT BUILDING FOR FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC IDAH, KOGI STATE

This research presents a design and analytical study of a proposed Architectural Technology Department Building for the Federal Polytechnic Idah, Kogi State, Nigeria, aimed at addressing the institution's infrastructural deficiencies in architectural education. Currently, the department operates within facilities that are inadequate for modern teaching and learning, falling short of National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) standards in terms of space, staff-to-student ratios, and functional requirements. The study was guided by the objective of providing a climate-responsive, sustainable, and pedagogically effective building that accommodates 320 students, 16 teaching staff, and 9 non-teaching staff. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining primary data from site visits, climatic observations, sketches, and interviews with students and staff, with secondary data from architectural literature, climatic reports, and case studies of similar institutions locally and internationally. Case studies, such as the Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology's Department of Architecture in Kano and the 50Hertz Netzquartier in Berlin, provided valuable insights into sustainable and functional academic building design. Climatic analysis of Idah highlighted its tropical savanna conditions, characterized by high temperatures (25-35°C), heavy seasonal rainfall (1,200-1,600 mm annually), and lateritic soils requiring robust drainage, shading, and erosion control strategies. The findings emphasize the necessity of adopting passive design strategies including cross ventilation, courtyards, overhangs, and reflective roofing while integrating sustainable local materials and advanced teaching facilities. The proposed building is designed not only as a physical upgrade but also as a strategic intervention to improve architectural pedagogy, promote innovation, and prepare students for contemporary practice. The study concludes that climate-responsive and sustainable design is crucial for academic infrastructure in Nigeria, particularly in institutions like Federal Polytechnic Idah. It recommends the adoption of context-specific design strategies, integration of digital learning facilities, and strong institutional support to ensure the long-term functionality of the facility. By aligning architectural practice with local environmental realities and global standards, the proposed building represents a model for future infrastructural development in Nigerian higher education.