Assessment of Circulation Systems and Accessibility in Shopping Malls towards the Design of Sustainable Malls in Nigeria

Abstract

The increasing need to satisfy individual needs has transformed shopping centers into a center of high activity in human and vehicular movements. These movements generate congestion when they are not properly organized. Most of the existing shopping centers are faced with circulation and security challenges within the exterior of the building and the interior spaces. The prevalent circulation pattern in most shopping centers lacks orderliness and clarity. Circulation systems in shopping malls are an essential part of the sustainable built environment. This research evaluated the circulation system in existing shopping malls with a view to identifying the inadequacies in accessibility and produce improved accessibility conditions for designing a sustainable shopping mall. The objective of this research was to examine the level of accessibility of existing shopping malls by evaluating the circulation systems and entrances in shopping malls in the study area. Methodology adopted are mixed-method approach, which includes quantitative and qualitative methods. The quantitative aspect involved the use of structured questionnaires which was administered to 97 respondents, while the qualitative aspect focused on site observations, photographic evidence, and document analysis of architectural and design elements within the mall. It was found that horizontal circulation systems were generally adequate, however accessibility for mobility-impaired individuals was insufficient, due to lack of functional ramps and automatic doors. The study concludes that while shopping malls in major Nigerian cities demonstrate a commendable level of planning and functionality, there is however, a need for strategic improvements to create safer, more inclusive, and user-friendly mall environments.