Design Requirements for Acoustic Comfort in Lecture Theatres: A Case Study of Oke-Ogun Polytechnic, Saki, Nigeria

Abstract

Acoustic comfort in lecture theatres is a critical determinant of speech intelligibility, learning effectiveness, and user satisfaction, yet it remains a frequently overlooked design parameter in many Nigerian tertiary institutions. This study therefore evaluates the design requirements for achieving and acoustic comfort and assessing the facilities at Oke-Ogun Polytechnic, Saki, Nigeria. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining objective physical audits of eight lecture theatres with subjective assessments from 342 students. Data were collected using structured questionnaires which was analysed with Likert Scale (Mean Weighted Value, MWV) and direct observation. Findings reveal significant acoustic deficiencies. Key design requirements identified include: achieving a reverberation time (RT) suitable for speech (not exceeding 1.0 seconds) by moving away from hard, reflective finishes (terrazzo, plaster, corrugated metal) towards absorptive materials (acoustic tiles, fabric-wrapped panels); implementing a robust building envelope with sound-insulating walls, sealed double-glazed windows, and insulated roofing to mitigate external noise (rain, generators, traffic MWV up to 3.43); adopting fan-shaped or splayed geometries to improve sound distribution and reduce flutter echoes; integrating sound reinforcement systems as a complement to, not a replacement for, good architectural acoustics; and establishing acoustic buffer zones within campus planning. The study concludes that design for acoustic comfort requires a holistic, performance-based strategy, moving beyond a singular focus on durability and capacity. These findings provide an evidence-based framework for designing the proposed Lecture Theatre for the College of Nursing Science, Saki and serve as a reference for similar educational building projects in acoustically challenging tropical contexts.