Climate Change: Resilient Design Strategies for High Rainfall Areas of Southeastern Nigeria

This paper examined rain action on buildings in South-eastern Nigeria where annual rainfall figures range from 1740mm to 2400mm. The aim of the study was to establish the importance of climatic context in building design to ensure resilience to adverse rain action. The study was conducted inside the premises of the Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Owerri. All the buildings in the institution totalling 116 were assessed based on age, design features, and types and levels of rain damage. Data collection was by physical enumeration and pictorial documentation. Analysis of results was by simple descriptive statistics. The findings identified either mild or severe rain damage on the buildings, traceable to design features, materials, and construction detailing. The study concluded that buildings in the study area should have high-pitched roofs, extensive eave overhangs, rain collection and discharge mechanism through gutters and downspouts, impervious walls, airtight openings, shaded windows, and elevated ground floor levels.