An Appraisal of Sacred Spaces in Terms of Inert Strategies; a Case of Bantama, Kumasi

Abstract

Sacred buildings like other types of buildings have to communicate to their users. Users must be comfortable and relate to the spaces provided in a positive way. When buildings are designed to respond passively to their climate, occupants feel comfortable and energy is conserved. The current paper surveys 11 churches within the Bantama locality of Kumasi. Against the background of the immense shortage of energy in Ghana, the study aimed at ascertaining whether these buildings conform to passive design strategies. In terms of orientation, the study revealed that only 45% of the churches were correctly oriented (longer sides facing the North-South orientation). Window to wall ratio also showed that out of the churches evaluated only one church fell within the range of 25 to 80% as recommended for buildings in the tropics. It was also recognized that these buildings did not have enough shading and as a result, there was a direct solar penetration into the indoor spaces causing visual and thermal discomfort. Adherence to sustainable design principles must be encouraged.