Journals Information
Civil Engineering and Architecture Vol. 13(5), pp. 3874 - 3890
DOI: 10.13189/cea.2025.130530
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Pedestrian Circulation Standards in High-Traffic Commercial Complexes: A Case Study of Computer Village in Lagos, Nigeria
Abraham O. Owoseni , Anthony J. Umameh *
Department of Architecture, College of Science and Technology, Covenant University, Nigeria
ABSTRACT
This study evaluates circulation standards in three high-traffic commercial complexes (Adewale Cole, Asset Corp, and Glass House) within Lagos' Computer Village, Nigeria's largest technology market. Employing structured field observation, direct measurements, and systematic photographic documentation, the research analyzes exterior elements (car parks, footpaths, ramps, steps, entrances) and interior components (doors, foyers, vertical circulation) against established accessibility benchmarks. Findings reveal critical deficiencies in disability access provisions, pedestrian safety measures, and wayfinding systems, with only entrance doors consistently meeting dimensional requirements. Non-compliant ramps, inadequate footpath protection, and missing alternative vertical circulation options emerge as systemic issues. The results demonstrate significant practical implications for Nigerian urban development, advocating for strengthened building code enforcement, prioritized retrofit interventions, and revised design guidelines for new commercial constructions. By systematically documenting circulation challenges in this high-density environment, the study contributes empirical evidence to architectural scholarship, particularly regarding the operational impacts of accessibility gaps in developing economies. It establishes that current deficiencies disproportionately affect vulnerable users while reducing commercial efficiency, underscoring the urgency of integrating universal design principles with adaptive policy frameworks. Recommendations propose mandatory accessibility audits, regulatory reforms aligning with international standards, and stakeholder education programs. This work provides a transferable methodology for assessing circulation systems in similar urban markets, offering actionable insights for policymakers, architects, and planners working to enhance safety and inclusivity in rapidly growing commercial hubs. The findings emphasize that improved circulation infrastructure serves both social equity goals and economic optimization in dense urban contexts, advocating for design solutions that balance commercial demands with humane spatial experiences.
KEYWORDS
Circulation Standards, Commercial Complexes, Accessibility, Universal Design, Computer Village
Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Abraham O. Owoseni , Anthony J. Umameh , "Pedestrian Circulation Standards in High-Traffic Commercial Complexes: A Case Study of Computer Village in Lagos, Nigeria," Civil Engineering and Architecture, Vol. 13, No. 5, pp. 3874 - 3890, 2025. DOI: 10.13189/cea.2025.130530.
(b). APA Format:
Abraham O. Owoseni , Anthony J. Umameh (2025). Pedestrian Circulation Standards in High-Traffic Commercial Complexes: A Case Study of Computer Village in Lagos, Nigeria. Civil Engineering and Architecture, 13(5), 3874 - 3890. DOI: 10.13189/cea.2025.130530.