Residents’ Awareness and Aspiration for Smart Building Features: The Case of Okota, Lagos, Nigeria

Abstract

The study investigated the level of awareness and aspiration of residents for smart building features in Lagos, Nigeria. This is with a view to determining the extent of residents’ level of familiarity and desire for smart homes in the country. Questionnaires were administered on 586 residents selected through systematic random sampling technique in the study area. Having identified the major streets in the study area, the first building along the major streets was selected randomly and every fifth building formed the subsequent unit of study. Data were analyzed with the use of frequency distribution, percentages, and measures of residents’ aspiration index. The results showed that the awareness of smart building technologies was just fair in the study area as almost half of the respondents (49.21%) were not aware of smart building features. The results also indicated that internet facility ranked highest as the medium of awareness for the residents who were aware of smart building features. It was revealed that the aspiration of the residents for smart features was above average (2.98 on a five-point scale). The results showed that the features mostly aspired were features relating to “security and safety” (CCTV, Intrusion detection system and fire detection and alarm), while those relating to building maintenance (Moisture and humidity sensor and building performance analytic devices) were the least category of smart features desired.