IMPROVING WAYFINDING THROUGH DESIGN IN PROPOSED PAEDIATRIC HOSPITAL, KADUNA
IMPROVING WAYFINDING THROUGH DESIGN IN PROPOSED PAEDIATRIC HOSPITAL, KADUNA
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Date
2018-04
Authors
BUKAR, Uzairu Biu
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Abstract
Wayfinding in any publicly accessed building has been an issue and over the years this
problem has been given a low priority as an unavoidable problem, Wayfinding
problems have been linked to stress-related problems and loss of productive staff time.
The architecture of our existing hospitals do not adequately capture the needs of way
finders, This research aims to take an in-depth study in to wayfinding and provide
solution to this problem by proposing a hospital design that reflects an architectural
solution to wayfinding (within Kaduna State). Three different methods of data
collection were used and that include the use of a visual survey & Check list, Participant
observation was used to get first-hand knowledge about the problem and use of a Space
Syntax. Three healthcare institutions were selected and examined. Findings from the
visual survey on the case studies conducted shows architectural clues which include, the
exterior clues and the interior clues; these clues/ element assist users to identifying their
waypoint. Assessment of architectural features that aid wayfinding shows that Ahmadu
Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH) has high reflections of both internal and
external clues, element such as landscape, location of entrance, placement of stairs and
the location of information Centre were greatly considered. While the second and third
case studies ranked low on the exterior clues some due to dilapidation of these facilities
and poor maintenance. Participant observation was able to give the researcher an indepth
viewer of wayfinding problem, and understand the approach that needs to be
taken in providing solution at every decision point and destination zone. The field study
shows that larger facilities in a pavilion layout prove to be more challenging to navigate,
multiple turns and curve destabilizes the orientation of the wayfinder, but opening to the
outside and placement of unique land marks and art works helps the wayfinder regain
his orientation. Data obtained in the space syntax analysis shows Barau Dikko Specialist
Hospital (BDSH) has the highest level of intelligibility (R2) of 0.73 Followed by
ABUTH with a value of 0.33 and Yusuf Dantsoho General Hospital (YDGH) with the
least level of intelligibility 0.064. The study deduce that zoning of related functions,
space organization, position of spaces according to departments and providing clues
within the interior and exterior of the facility is important in guiding any user of the
facility. This research highlights the necessity of incorporating unique features to
inform users of this environment and also suggest methods used to improve wayfinding
in healthcare facilities.
Description
A THESES SUBMITTED TO THE SCHOOL OF POSTGRADUATE
STUDIES, AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY, ZARIA
IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD
OF A
MASTER OF SCIENCE DEGREE IN ARCHITECTURE
DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE,
FACULTY OF ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN,
AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY ZARIA
NIGERIA.
Keywords
IMPROVING WAYFINDING,, DESIGN,, PROPOSED PAEDIATRIC HOSPITAL,, KADUNA