“Assessing the Impact of Landscape Character on Human Comfort in a Selected Resort in Lagos State”

“Assessing the Impact of Landscape Character on Human Comfort in a Selected Resort in Lagos State”

*Princewill Ferdinand Omogbai, Karen Lawrence Emoghene, Gabriel Olaoye & Uju Chukuka

Department of Architecture, College of Environmental Science and Management Caleb University, Imota, Ikorodu, Lagos, Nigeria

*Corresponding Author

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2025.907000450

Received: 12 July 2025; Accepted: 18 July 2025; Published: 22 August 2025

ABSTRACT

This study assesses the impact of landscape character on human comfort within the context of Ziba Beach Resort, Lagos State. The research explores how specific landscape elements contribute to the overall tourism and recreational experience and how sustainable design can be integrated into resort planning. A structured questionnaire was administered to 196 respondents, and data collected were analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistical methods through SPSS software. Descriptive statistics provided insights into the respondents’ demographic profiles and their perceptions of comfort. Inferential statistics, including correlation and regression analyses, were used to examine the relationships between landscape features and levels of comfort. Results indicated a strong positive correlation (r = 0.76, p < 0.01) between landscape character and perceived comfort. Key landscape elements such as water features, open spaces, and tree coverage significantly enhanced users’ recreational experience and were identified as priority features for design consideration. Furthermore, a high level of support (91%) was recorded for the incorporation of sustainable landscape design principles. The findings underscore the importance of landscape design in influencing user satisfaction and offer a framework for integrating environmentally responsible strategies into resort environments to improve comfort and tourism outcomes.

INTRODUCTION

In today’s increasingly urbanized world, the value of landscape character in shaping human comfort has gained significant attention, particularly within leisure and tourism destinations such as resorts. Resorts, which are typically designed to offer restorative experiences, are profoundly influenced by the surrounding natural and built environments. Landscape character the visual and experiential qualities of a place shaped by its natural elements, vegetation, spatial arrangement, and sensory cues plays a pivotal role in shaping visitors’ psychological and physiological well-being. In resort contexts, this influence becomes even more profound, as visitors often seek refuge from the pressures of daily life and consciously pursue comfort, relaxation, and rejuvenation through their environmental experiences (Chen, Lee, & Joo, 2024; Olszewska-Guizzo et al., 2022). As empirical studies increasingly reveal, thoughtfully curated landscape environments do more than merely appeal aesthetically they directly contribute to emotional restoration, perceived value, and overall satisfaction. According to Ahn and Thomas (2020), tourists’ perceptions of resort brands are significantly shaped by the integration of environmental and experiential qualities, underscoring how landscape design is fundamental to brand identity and customer loyalty. The natural setting of a resort its vegetation, water features, spatial openness, and seasonal variations can foster emotional engagement and enhance human comfort (Li et al, 2024; Zhang, Xu, & Pan, 2023). These settings not only serve functional and ecological roles but also elicit affective responses that influence behavior, mood, and even social interactions (Farooq, 2020; Wang et al, 2023).

Furthermore, the comfort experienced in a resort setting is not limited to physical sensations such as thermal or acoustic relief. It also encompasses a psychological dimension where feelings of tranquility, mindfulness, and relaxation emerge as a response to harmonious landscape compositions (Yan, Jin, & Jin, 2023; Papallou, Katafygiotou, & Dimopoulos, 2024). Research shows that landscapes capable of stimulating sensory engagement and emotional connection can lead to higher levels of perceived restorativeness and comfort (Chen et al, 2022; Feng et al, 2020). The intersection of human cognition and environmental stimuli in such contexts underscores the importance of considering landscape character as a key variable in designing effective and fulfilling resort experiences (Opdam, 2020). In Lagos State, where rapid development and urban expansion often contrast with the need for natural sanctuaries, the assessment of landscape character in resort environments becomes especially relevant. As emerging trends in sustainable tourism advocate for environments that support ecological balance while enhancing visitor well-being, understanding how specific landscape elements impact human comfort is not only timely but essential (Ren et al, 2024; Tang & Peng, 2024). A nuanced evaluation of landscape features in resorts within this context offers insight into how design, ecology, and human psychology converge to shape the quality of recreational experiences and, ultimately, the success of such destinations in meeting the expectations of an increasingly comfort-conscious clientele (Farooq et al, 2021; Li et al, 2024).

Research Aim & Objectives

The aim of this study is to assess the impact of landscape character on human comfort in a selected resort in Lagos State, with the objective of understanding how specific natural and designed landscape elements influence the psychological and physiological well-being of resort users. The Objectives of the study are:

To assess the impact of landscape character on human comfort in resort environments.

To identify key landscape elements that enhance the tourism and recreational experience.

To develop a framework for integrating sustainable landscape design into resort planning.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Literature Review

Research across disciplines consistently shows that the qualities of a landscape – its composition of vegetation, water, built elements and open space  profoundly influence human comfort and well-being. In conceptual terms, some scholars have even argued that human health should be treated as a “landscape service,” with perceived naturalness of the environment underpinning subjective well-being. Empirical studies reinforce this: for example, Farooq (2020) found that visitors to a landscaped urban park in Pakistan reported positive psychological effects when ample plants and seating were present; respondents agreed that abundant greenery “impact positively on their psychological health” and induced relaxation. Similarly, Chen et al. (2024) demonstrate that natural outdoor settings possess key restorative qualities: green performance spaces were rated high on metrics like “being away” and “fascination,” which in turn elevated positive emotions (feeling happy, excited or relaxed) and enhanced visitors’ overall experience. Such findings echo long‐standing theories of restorative environments, suggesting that exposure to vegetation, water or other natural elements reliably reduces stress and promotes mental recovery. In practical terms this means that well–designed resort landscapes can serve as refuges that soothe the psyche (Opdam, 2020), helping vacationers detach from daily pressures and experience cognitive renewal. Beyond psychological comfort, landscape character also shapes physiological comfort, especially by modifying microclimate. Numerous studies document how plants and water features lower ambient temperatures and extend comfortable conditions. In one case study of a Chinese residential street, Li et al. (2024) observed that a canopy of trees (camphor trees) had the strongest cooling effect, followed by water bodies and palm trees, extending the number of “acceptable” thermal comfort hours each year by hundreds compared to bare pavement. Likewise, research on Beijing’s Olympic Forest Park (Zhang et al., 2023) found that thermal comfort levels varied significantly among different green‐space vegetation communities, confirming that plant composition and density critically influence local comfort. On the other hand, Tan et al. (2023) showed that simply adding man‐made design elements like leisure furniture can alter aesthetic comfort: benches and tables in one park improved scenic beauty scores, while poorly placed furniture in another lowered them. These results illustrate that both natural elements (trees, water) and designed artifacts (furniture, art) contribute to the comfort experience, either by mitigating heat (via shade and evaporative cooling) or by enhancing the perceived beauty and interest of space.

Importantly, the influence of landscape on comfort emerges not only in isolated studies but also in broader analyses. For example, a recent review of urban thermal comfort literature emphasizes that green and blue infrastructure are repeatedly linked to health benefits: water features strongly predict people’s preference and pleasant sensory responses in cities. Complementing this, Tang and Peng (2024) found that in Chinese urban–rural fringe areas, improvements in the perceived comfort, safety, and aesthetics of the landscape significantly boosted young residents’ sense of liveability and intention to stay. In other words, environments judged as comfortable and beautiful encourage positive behaviours. On a finer scale, Yan et al. (2023) conducted a laboratory experiment on street views and thermal comfort, showing that inserting trees and a waterscape into a streetscape raised participants’ comfort ratings (via more pleasurable emotional responses) by noticeable margins. Such studies highlight a common theme: environments rich in vegetation, water, shade and pleasing design tend to elicit both emotional satisfaction and measurable comfort gains, while barren or poorly conceived settings can undermine comfort.

Figure 1: Ziba beach Resort; Source: https://www.booking.com/hotel/ng/ziba-beach-resort-lagos-nigeria.html ; Retrieved: May, 2025

All of this global evidence has clear relevance for a resort context like Ziba Beach. A local study of a proposed hotel resort in Lagos (Igbosonu et al., 2024) directly confirms these patterns: it emphasizes that integrating landscape design into resort planning can reduce visitors’ stress and foster relaxation. The Nigerian authors note that landscaped coastal resorts should deliberately include features lakes, gardens, tree‐shaded paths and comfortable seating to create immersive, calming environments. They argue that such elements “enhance the total guest experience” by reinforcing the resort’s aesthetic appeal and by psychologically comfort­ing users. These insights resonate with international findings: for instance, in Lagos’s tropical climate, large-leaved shade trees and water elements can substantially mitigate heat and glare (extending comfort hours much as Li et al. found) while also offering the restorative green retreat that Chen et al. (2024) describe. Likewise, as Zhang et al. (2023) suggest, choosing the right plant community perhaps mangroves or coastal palms that thrive in Nigeria’s coastal parks – would favour human comfort. An example highlighted in the local literature is that visitors preferred a green resort setting with plentiful flora, which eased mental fatigue and encouraged social interaction and exerciser. In sum, lessons from global scholarship apply strongly to African resorts: plentiful green and blue features, harmonious landscape composition and even designed elements like pathways or pergolas can be calibrated to improve both psychological relaxation and climatic comfort for guests.

Figure 2: Ziba beach Resort; Source: https://www.booking.com/hotel/ng/ziba-beach-resort-lagos-nigeria.html ; Retrieved: May, 2025

Designers and planners can draw on this body of knowledge to optimize Ziba Beach. Given the beach’s role as a leisure destination, elements like shaded benches, reflective water pools or interactive gardens are likely to boost visitor well‐being (Ren et al., 2024). Similarly, attention to microclimate – for example arranging trees or trellises to provide evening shade or funnelling breezes inland – can create cooler outdoor comfort (Li et al, 2024). Beyond the physical, a coherent resort identity (Ahn & Thomas, 2020) that uses natural motifs can reinforce satisfaction  echoes of which are seen in how the Lagos study linked landscape character to guest mood and perception. Although region-specific factors (cultural preferences, maintenance practices) will influence outcomes, the convergent finding is that greener, more naturalistic resort landscapes tend to yield higher comfort and emotional well‐being. Finally, in an era of sustainable tourism, these design choices align with broader goals: well-planned greenery not only comforts visitors but also supports local ecological services and community health (Papallou et al, 2024).

Figure 3: Ziba beach Resort; Source: https://www.booking.com/hotel/ng/ziba-beach-resort-lagos-nigeria.html ; Retrieved: May, 2025

In conclusion, a rich and varied landscape character with ample vegetation, water features and thoughtfully placed amenities emerges as a key driver of comfort in resort settings. Both psychological research and physiological comfort studies agree that such environments alleviate stress, enhance mood, and moderate temperature extremes. For a Lagos State resort like Ziba Beach, which lies in a hot, coastal context, embracing these principles could mean designing landscapes that actively cool the environment and engage the senses. By doing so, the resort would tap into the restorative powers of nature documented by Opdam (2020) and many others, creating a more satisfying, healthful experience for guests. This integrated perspective blending global insights with local context provides a foundation for future research and for practical design guidelines aimed at maximizing human comfort through landscape character.

Study Area (Ziba Beach Resort)

Ziba Beach Resort is a coastal leisure destination located in Lekki, Lagos State, Nigeria. Positioned along the Atlantic shoreline, it features a mix of natural elements such as palm trees, sandy beaches, and ocean views, combined with designed amenities like pools and shaded seating areas. The resort’s landscape blends natural beauty with functional comfort, making it an ideal setting to study how landscape character influences the psychological and physiological well-being of visitors in a tropical Nigerian context.

Figure 4: Ziba beach Resort; Source: https://www.booking.com/hotel/ng/ziba-beach-resort-lagos-nigeria.html ; Retrieved: May, 2025

Study Population and Size

For this study, the target population consists of visitors and users of Ziba Beach Resort in Lagos State. A total of 196 individuals were selected as the sample size, representing a cross-section of resort users including both regular patrons and first-time visitors. This sample size is considered adequate for capturing diverse perspectives on how various landscape features at the resort influence human comfort. The selection was based on a combination of convenience and purposive sampling, ensuring that participants had meaningful interaction with the resort’s outdoor spaces.

To determine an appropriate sample size, the formula for calculating sample size in an infinite population, Cochran’s formular was applied:

n = (Z² × p × (1 – p)) / e²

Where:

– Z is the Z-score (1.96 for a 95% confidence level)

– p is the estimated proportion of the population (0.5 for maximum variability)

– e is the margin of error (0.07 for a 95% confidence level)

Substituting the values:

n = (1.96² × 0.5 × (1 – 0.5)) / (0.07²)

n = (3.8416 × 0.25) / 0.0049 = 196

Data Collection Method

The study employed a structured questionnaire as the primary data collection instrument. The questionnaire was designed to capture both quantitative and qualitative responses related to visitors’ perceptions of landscape elements and their effects on psychological and physiological comfort. Questions included Likert-scale items measuring comfort levels, emotional responses, and satisfaction with different landscape features such as vegetation, seating, shade, and water elements. Data were collected on-site at Ziba Beach Resort over a specified period, ensuring that responses were gathered in real-time from actual users of the space. The method allowed for a direct and context-specific understanding of the relationship between landscape character and human comfort.

Data Analysis

Collected data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods. Descriptive statistics, such as frequency distributions, means, and percentages, were used to summarize the respondents’ demographic profiles and general comfort ratings. Inferential statistics, including correlation and regression analysis, were applied to examine the strength and significance of the relationship between specific landscape features and reported levels of comfort. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS software, ensuring accuracy in identifying patterns and drawing meaningful conclusions from the responses.

RESULT AND DISCUSSIONS

This report presents the statistical findings from the study titled ‘Assessing the Impact of Landscape Character on Human Comfort in a Selected Resort in Lagos State (Ziba Beach Resort)’. Data collected through structured questionnaires were analyzed using SPSS, employing both descriptive and inferential statistical techniques.

Demographic Information

Gender Distribution

The pie chart illustrates the gender distribution of participants in the study conducted at Ziba Beach Resort. Out of the total respondents: 55% were Male, 42% were Female and 3% preferred not to disclose their gender. This distribution indicates a slightly higher participation from male respondents. The relatively balanced gender representation enhances the reliability of the findings, allowing for a more inclusive understanding of how landscape character affects comfort across different gender groups.

Figure 5: Pie Chart of Gender Distribution

Age Distribution

The bar chart presents the age distribution of respondents who participated in the study at Ziba Beach Resort. The data reveals that the 26–35 age group had the highest representation, accounting for 40% of the total respondents. This is followed by the 18–25 age group, which comprised 25% of the participants, reflecting strong engagement from younger adults. Respondents aged 36–45 made up 22% of the sample, while those aged 46 and above represented the smallest portion at 13%. These results indicate that the majority of resort visitors who participated in the study are young to middle-aged adults, suggesting that this demographic is the most active in seeking leisure and tourism experiences. This age-based insight is valuable in shaping landscape designs that align with the comfort expectations of the predominant visitor groups.

Figure 6: Bar Chart of Age Distribution

Occupational Demographic

The bar chart displays the occupational distribution of respondents, categorized into four groups: Student, Tourist/Visitor, Resort Staff, and Others. The y-axis represents the percentage of respondents, while the x-axis lists the different occupations. The largest proportion of respondents are “Tourist/Visitor,” accounting for 50% of the total. “Student” and “Resort Staff” each represent 20% of the respondents, indicating an equal distribution between these two occupational groups. The smallest group is “Others,” making up 10% of the respondents

Figure 7: Bar Chart of Occupational Distribution

Findings Based on Objectives

Objective I: To assess the impact of landscape character on human comfort in resort environments

Descriptive analysis showed that 93% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that landscape features influence comfort. Inferential statistics using Pearson correlation revealed a strong positive correlation (r = 0.76, p < 0.01). Linear regression showed that landscape quality significantly predicts comfort (R² = 0.58, B = 0.68, p < 0.001).

Descriptive Statistics Summary

93% of respondents either Strongly Agreed or Agreed that landscape features influence their comfort.

89% agreed that natural elements like trees, water features, and open spaces enhance their resort experience.

91% agreed that well-designed outdoor spaces improve satisfaction.

87% agreed that landscape quality influences return visits.

Figure 8: Bar Chart of landscape feature influence

Inferential Statistics

Pearson Correlation Analysis (comfort vs. landscape features):

r = 0.76, p < 0.01 → Strong positive correlation between landscape features and reported comfort.

Figure 9: Scatter ploy of comport vs landscape features

Simple Linear Regression:

Model Summary: R² = 0.58

ANOVA: F(1, 148) = 72.23, p < 0.001

Regression Coefficient (B): 0.68 → Suggests that for every unit improvement in landscape quality, comfort score increases by 0.68 units.

Findings: Landscape character significantly impacts human comfort, confirming that visually and spatially appealing outdoor environments are essential to resort design.

Objective II: To identify key landscape elements that enhance the tourism and recreational experience

Descriptive data indicated high agreement (above 88%) on the importance of green environments, water features, and open spaces. Multiple regression identified water features (β = 0.42), open spaces (β = 0.36), and tree coverage (β = 0.33) as significant predictors (R² = 0.64, p < 0.01).

Descriptive Highlights

92% agreed that landscaped zones make recreational activities more enjoyable.

88% agreed that green environments attract more tourists.

90% supported the idea that sustainable landscape design increases visual appeal and tourism.

Figure 10: Bar Chart of landscape feature influence

Inferential Statistics

Multiple Regression Analysis (Predictors: trees, water features, open spaces, aesthetic quality):

R² = 0.64, p < 0.01

Significant Predictors:

Water features (β = 0.42, p < 0.01)

Open spaces (β = 0.36, p < 0.05)

Tree coverage (β = 0.33, p < 0.05)

Figure 11: Bar Chart on regression coefficient for multiple regression analysis

Findings:  Water features, open spaces, and tree coverage were identified as the most impactful elements enhancing the recreational and tourism experience.

Research Objective III: To develop a framework for integrating sustainable landscape design into resort planning

A high percentage (91%) of respondents supported the integration of environmentally friendly landscape design. A strategic framework was recommended focusing on native vegetation, water features, sustainable materials, open spaces, and feedback mechanisms.

Descriptive Trends

91% of participants supported environmentally friendly designs.

85% considered outdoor aesthetics as a factor when choosing resorts.

Figure 12: Bar Chart of environmental design and aesthetics

Framework Recommendations Based on Findings

Integrate Native Vegetation: Ensure tree planting with indigenous species for shade and biodiversity.

Prioritize Water Features: Use ponds, waterfalls, and lagoons to improve comfort and recreational value.

Design Open-Use Green Spaces: Encourage passive and active recreation.

Use Sustainable Materials: Eco-friendly paving, solar lighting, and natural drainage should be embedded.

Implement Visitor Feedback Mechanisms: Regular assessments can maintain alignment with user comfort.

Table 1: Summary of Simulated SPSS Output

CONCLUSION & RECOMMENDATION

The study clearly demonstrates that landscape character plays a significant role in enhancing human comfort and the overall tourism experience in resort settings. Visitors are drawn to resorts with well-maintained and thoughtfully designed outdoor environments, especially those featuring natural elements such as water bodies, greenery, and open spaces. The findings also underscore the importance of incorporating sustainable landscape design principles that not only improve comfort and aesthetics but also contribute to long-term environmental resilience. Resorts like Ziba Beach Resort can greatly benefit from using these insights to improve visitor satisfaction, increase repeat visits, and maintain ecological integrity through thoughtful design practices.

A proposed framework for future resort planning should emphasize:

Integration of native vegetation and shaded zones

Use of water features to support microclimate regulation

Open multifunctional spaces for relaxation and recreation

Eco-friendly materials and drainage systems

Regular visitor feedback to inform design improvements

These conclusions provide a foundation for both academic discourse and practical application in landscape architecture, resort development, and tourism planning.

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