HARMONIZING SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES: CLIMATE-RESPONSIVE DESIGN IN UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES

Abstract

Consequently, this paper responds to the growing environmental issues and energy disasters by noting that human conduct needs to be adjusted to sustainable practices. With a particular interest in the Junaid Zaidi Library in the COMSATS University Islamabad (CUI), the study examines how climate-responsive design can be used to improve the level of indoor comfort and raise awareness about sustainability in educational institutions. The current conditions of the library, performance gaps, and the design strategies that can be offered to the library, such as the best orientation, passive heating and cooling methods, and the use of sustainable materials, are evaluated by studying the library with the help of observational methods, qualitative surveys, and analysis of environmental data. The results would be used to create energy-efficient, user-friendly academic spaces with minimal adverse effects on the environment. The study was carried out within a period of four months, but there might have been limitations to the study, such as the time factor and seasonal factor. However, the study offers useful design information to architects and planners to help in a wider perspective of sustainable building practices within the scope of university libraries within the twin cities of Pakistan.