Assessment of noise levels in architectural design studios in universities in South-East Nigeria

Purpose – This study assessed noise pollution in architectural design studios in five government-owned universities in South-East Nigeria by evaluating their current noise levels and their potential implications for students learning and health outcomes. Design/methodology/approach – A survey and quasi-experimental research designs involving questionnaire administration, sound level measurements and physical observations were used. Copies of the questionnaire were administered to 352 students, selected through stratified and random sampling techniques. Noise levels were measured using sound level meters across 84 logging stations, with readings compared to the World Health Organization's (WHO) recommended noise limit of 55 dB(A) for educational environments. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including one-way ANOVA and Duncan Multiple Range tests, were used to analyse the data. Findings – Results revealed that around 73.5% of respondents experienced noise pollution, with a mean noise level of 76.21 dB, significantly higher than WHO's guidelines. Significant variations were found in noise levels between the universities, with University of Nigeria Enugu Campus having the lowest mean noise levels (68.88 dB) and Alex Ekwueme University having the highest (81.29 dB). Similarly, the noise levels varied significantly within the studios, with 100-level studios recording the highest noise levels (82.74 dB) and M.Sc. studios the lowest (65.56 dB). Research limitations/implications – This research utilized data collected from architectural studios in five universities in South-East Nigeria for the analysis. Although this did not affect the research findings, further study is recommended to cover the entire noise management sub-systems in each university and also, all universities in the study area. Since the research utilized baseline data, predictions of the noise level differentials in other building types in the university and future noise density scenario of the campus cannot be predicted. Practical implications – This research provides an empirical assessment of noise levels in architectural design studios in universities in South-East Nigeria. It improves the understanding on noise level of compliance to WHO guidelines and offers insight into how noise impacts students' learning, concentration and health. Originality/value – To the best of the author's knowledge, this is the first study that provides valuable insight on noise levels and the degree of compliance or contravention to the WHO guidelines on noise in educational settings in architectural design studios in universities in South-East Nigeria.