Abstract
This study empirically evaluates the impact of outdoor seating area design on thermal comfort and functional utilization at Caleb University, Imota, Nigeria. The research analyzes the relationship between microclimatic variables—air temperature, relative humidity, and solar radiation—and observed occupancy patterns of students and staff. Using a qualitative-dominant mixed method incorporating Post-Occupancy Evaluation (POE) and behavioral mapping with a 100-student survey, the study captures lived experiences of campus users. Findings reveal a severe design-climate mismatch: 82% of respondents report thermal discomfort (hot to unbearably hot) during peak solar hours (12 PM–3 PM), leading to 88% thermal displacement into indoor corridors. Concrete heat absorption and absence of natural shade are the primary complaints (72% of students). The study justifies a transition toward biophilic and bioclimatic design, providing a roadmap for thermally viable campus landscapes that support academic focus and social cohesion throughout the day.