Architectural Design Layout and its Implication for Wayfinding in Abuja Hospital Environment

Abstract

Wayfinding refers to one’s ability to know where he or she is (origin), how to get to the place (path) and recognising the destination on getting there. Teaching hospitals are large scale, complicated healthcare facilities. As a result of their serviceable organisations’ complexity and architectural configuration, it has exacerbated the wayfinding experience of first time unfamiliar users of the hospital environment. Consequently, users’ usually have the challenge of navigating to the desired destination with frustration in the hospital environment. The aim of the study is to assess the architectural design layout of the hospital and its implication for wayfinding. The study was carried outin the General out Patients Department (GOPD) at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (UATH), Gwagwalada-Abuja, Nigeria. The study approach was qualitative method which involves participant’s observation and interview. Data was elicited from non- participant structured observation protocol to assess architectural features present in the hospital buildings. The wayfinding task executed by 15 participants was observed and interviewed Purposive sampling technique was used in the selection of the respondents. The main finding was the use of architectural differentiations in terms of height and shape, trees, and open core circulation system as landmarks in the hospital. In wayfinding behaviour, the study revealed that the users’ search, select and use information by stopping, looking around and asking for direction in order to effectively navigate to the desired destination. The implication of this behaviour was discussed. Therefore, it is recommended that in hospital designs, architects should ensure that floor plan complexity and hierarchical decision are reduced, and several changes in direction at decision points are avoided for effective wayfinding performance.