MIXED USE DEVELOPMENT
(USING ARHITECTURAL DESIGN APPROACH TO ENHANCE CIRCULATION)
BY
ORJI IFEANYI THANKGOD
2020274021
TO
NNAMDI AZIKIWE UNIVERSITY
FACULTY OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE
SUPERVISOR: ARC TAYLOR NWANEGBO
APRIL 2024
ABSTRACT
Effective circulation is crucial in mixed use developments, where diverse user groups and
activities coexist. This paper presents a bias towards using architectural design approaches to
enhance circulation, prioritizing intuitive way finding, efficient navigation, and seamless
transitions between spaces. By incorporating design elements such as clear sightlines, minimal
obstacles, and strategic node placement, architects can create a fluid and accessible environment
that fosters social interaction, community building, and economic vitality. This bias “using
architectural design approach to enhance circulation” offers a comprehensive framework for
designers to optimize circulation and create thriving mixed use developments that support the
needs of all users. The proposed design approach focuses on:
Integrated way finding: implementing a unified signage and visual cue system across different
uses and levels.
Dynamic navigation: designing flexible and adaptable circulation paths to accommodate diverse
user flows.
Node creation: strategically locating public spaces and amenities to encourage social interaction
and community building.
Functional overlap: incorporating shared facilities and multipurpose spaces to enhance user
convenience and efficiency.
Visual connections: using transparent and translucent materials to maintain visual links between
different uses and spaces.
Accessible design: incorporating universal design principles to ensure equal access and mobility
for all users.
Technology integration: incorporating smart building technologies and data analytics to
optimize circulation and user experience.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I want to acknowledge God almighty that has helped me thus far, and the wisdom He has
bestowed upon my life.
A special acknowledgement goes to my supervisor, for his constant inputs, and corrections that
has sharpened my view of this project.
I also acknowledge others that had a hand in the successful completion of this project.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Title page
Abstract
Acknowledgement
Table of content
List of figures and tables
List of abbreviations and acronyms
1.0 CHAPTER ONE: Introduction
1.1 Background to the study
1.2 Statement of architectural problem
1.3 Aim of study
1.4 Objectives of the study
1.5 Limitations to the study
1.6 Study area
2.0 CHAPTER TWO: Literature review / background
2.1 The importance of the research and the benefit of another design proposal
2.2 History of mixed use developments
2.3 International history
2.4 Local history
2.5 Evolution of the study
2.6 Relevance of mixed use development
2.7 Classification of mixed use development
2.8 Impact of technology in the development of the mixed use facility
3.0 METHODOLOGY
3.1 Case study methodology
3.2 Aims and objectives of the case studies
3.3 Scope of the case studies
3.4 Criteria’s for case study selection
3.5 Research methodology
3.6 Selected case studies
3.6.1 Case study I
3.6.2 Case study II
3.6.3 Case study III
3.6.4 Case study IV
3.6.5 Case study V
3.7 Data analysis and deductions for the case studies
4.0 DESIGN CONCEPT AND DEVELOPMENT
4.1 Design philosophy and design concept
4.2 Brief research on the design philosophy
4.3 Design principles and elements to be adopted
4.4 The brief
4.5 Schedule of accommodation
4.5.1 Zoning, flowchart
4.6 The site
4.6.1 Site selection criteria’s
4.6.2 Physical and climatic site analysis
4.7 Spatial requirements for a mixed use development
4.8 Analysis on the function flow of the design
4.9 The design process
4.10 Factors to consider when designing a mixed use development
4.11 Decisions made and their justifications
4. 12 Design drawings that include all the technical sheets to be done.
4.13 Methods of construction
4.14 Materials and technologies adopted
4.15 Innovative ideology
4.16 Unique solution for the design short comings
5.0 CHAPTER FIVE: SUMMARY, CONCLUSION, AND RECOMMENDATION
5.1 Assessment on the success of the design project
5.2 Lessons learned
5.3 A brief summary of the design output
5.4 Significance of the work done and the possible implications
5.5 Recommendations for future research or design improvement.
References
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
1.0 BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY
1.0.1 What is a mixed use development?
A mixed use development is a type of real estate development that combines residential,
commercial, recreational, institutional, or industrial uses in a single building or on a single plot
of land. This concept has been gaining popularity in the recent years due to its potential to
promote walkability, reduce the need for cars, and enhance social interaction.
1.0.2 A brief history
The term mixed use development is not a new concept. In the past, many cities had mixed use
buildings and neighborhoods, where people lived, worked, and shopped in the same area.
However, with the rise of zoning regulations and the growth of suburbs in the mid-20th century.
Mixed use development became less common (Bourdieu, P. (1993).
The origins of the mixed use development can be traced to the ancient times where cities were
designed with a mix of different functions and activities. In the 19 th century, industrialization led
to the development of urban areas that were primarily dedicated to one function, which included
factories or residential areas. However, in the 20 th century, urban planners began to advocate for
the return of the mixed use concept, as a way to create vibrant and sustainable cities (Egan, D.
(1988). The mixing of the urban area to include living, working and moving is a very possible
phenomenon and is increasingly necessary. This new concept takes as its model the old
traditional life of the European city, stressing density, multiple use, social and cultural diversity
(commission of the European communities, 1990, p. 43).
Too much emphasis has been placed on the zoning and segregation of land uses. “It derives from
the determined neatness of planners and it has nothing to do with the proper growth of a
community”;(Rt. Hon. John Gummer MP, Secretary of State for the environment, 1994, pg. 9).
These are stated facts by researchers, and after series of thought and proper analysis, I’ve
deduced that the need for a mixed use development is quite essential Kottek, M. (2006). And not
just any mixed development, a very sustainable one, due to the fact that if still left untreated and
according to the idea of the past urban planners, same mistakes would be repeated over and over
again. So according to my own thesis “the segregation of land and the constant struggle for it can
be solved with a proper arrangement of a mixed use development”.
The today’s concept of the mixed use development actually took place in the 1980s, with the rise
of new urbanism.
1.0.3 Benefits of mixed use development
There are several benefits, some which are as follows:
⮚ Promoting walkability and reducing the need for cars.
⮚ Enhancing social interaction and community engagement.
⮚ Providing a more efficient use of land and resource.
⮚ Supporting local businesses and economic growth.
⮚ Offering a more diverse and vibrant urban environment.
1.0.4 Challenges faced by the mixed use development
⮚ Increased pressure on infrastructure and services.
⮚ Rising housing costs and gentrification.
⮚ Traffic congestion and parking challenges.
⮚ Limited public spaces and community facilities.
The main purpose of this study is to explore the potential for a mixed use development in ikoyi,
Lagos, examining the feasibility, benefits, and challenges of this approach. The study aims to
provide a comprehensive framework for developers, policy makers, and stake holders to create
sustainable, vibrant, and inclusive communities.
1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
One of the major problems faced by the mixed use development is the issue of circulation. And
despite its affluence and popularity, ikoyi still faces challenges in terms of
⮚ Housing options
⮚ Inadequate offices and commercial spaces.
⮚ Insufficient parking.
1.3 AIM OF THE STUDY
The goal of this mixed use is to address these challenges by creating proper circulation spaces
with the adequate architectural tools/ strategies.
1.4 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
⮚ PEDESTRAIN FRIENDLY DESIGN: creating walk able streets and public spaces that
prioritize pedestrian safety and comfort.
⮚ MIXED MODE TRANSPORTATION: incorporating multiple transportation options
like walking, cycling, and public transport to reduce reliance on personal vehicles.
⮚ EFFICIENT ROAD NETWORK: design a well-connected road network with minimal
dead ends and cul- de –sacs to facilitate smooth vehicular movement.
⮚ IMPLEMENTATION OF SMART PARKING SOLUTIONS like the multi-level
parking, parking guidance systems, parks and rags.
1.5 LIMITATIONS TO THE STUDY
⮚ DATA AVAILABILITY: limited access to reliable and up to date on ikeja
demographics, traffic patterns, and market trends.
⮚ SCOPE CONTRAINTS: focusing solely on ikoyi without considering the broader Lagos
metropolitan area or regional context.
⮚ ASSUMPTIONS AND BIASES: uncurious biases in the research items in the research
teams assumptions and interpretations of data.
⮚ TIME CONSTRAINTS: limited timeframe for the study, potentially rushing the research
and analysis process.
⮚ RESOURCE CONSTRAINTS: insufficient funding or resources to conduct a
comprehensive study.
1.6 AREA OF STUDY
The area of study for the purpose of this project is Lagos. It was originally inhabited by the
Awori subgroup of the Yoruba people in the 15th century and Binis in the 16th century. In 1472,
Portuguese explorers arrived and began to trade. They named the settlement Lagos, meaning
Lakes. In the 19th century, the British intervened in Lagos, and it became a British colony in
1862. The city became the destination for immigration and the creoles contributed to Lagos’s
modernization. It experienced a rapid growth throughout the 1960s and 1970s due to the
Nigeria’s economic boom. The state is characterized by a tropical wet and dry or savanna
climate; its yearly temperature of 83.61 degrees Fahrenheit. It has 193.63 rainy days annually
and it is densely populated.
Moving on to the particular area of study which is the town called Ikeja. Ikeja was originally
called “Akeja” and named after the deity of the Awori people of Ota. As the Awori people
settled there, the place was raided for slaves until the mid-19th century. And in the early 20th
century, it became an agricultural hinterland for Lagos. The opening of the Lagos-Ibadan railway
in 1901 and the growth of Lagos as a part transformed Ikeja into a residential and industrial
suburb of that city. In the mid-1960s an industrial state was established, and in 1976 Ikeja
became the capital of Lagos state. The terrain of the city is characterized by tropical monsoon
climate: i.e. most months of the year receive significant rainfall. The brief dry season has little
effect on the climate as a whole. High temperatures: the average daily high temperature is
above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and the hot season lasts 4.4 months, from December 12 to April 25.
In Ikeja, there is a substantial seasonal change in the average proportion of the sky that is
covered with clouds throughout the year. Their terrain is generally flat, with average elevations
ranging from 20 to 95 ft.
Due to its growing population, there is a need to situate a mixed use development in the city of
Ikeja. And its flat terrain would also do justice to the project, as it would aid the industrialists and
then the businessmen. It would keep many from staying on the streets due to the fast growing
population size.
REFERENCES
Bourdieu, P. (1993). The field of cultural production: essays on art and literature, Columbia
university press.
Egan, D. (1988). Architectural acoustics. McGraw-Hill.
Eze, C. (2018). Awka. The emerging economic hub of Anambra state. The guardian Nigeria.
Kottek, M. (2006). World map of the Koppen-Geiger climate classification updated.
Meteorologische Zeitschrift, 15(3), 259-263.
