Integrating Crowd Control Strategies into the Design of Aquatic Centres

Amaechi Chinemerem; Arc Ramota Obagah-Stephen

doi:10.56201/ijemt.vol.11.no9.2025.pg253.263

📄 Download Paper

Integrating Crowd Control Strategies into the Design of Aquatic Centres

Amaechi Chinemerem, Arc Ramota Obagah-Stephen

Abstract

Aquatic centres attract large and diverse groups of users for recreational, competitive, and therapeutic purposes, making them highly susceptible to congestion, circulation challenges, and safety hazards. Traditionally, crowd control has been addressed through operational measures (ticketing controls, security personnel, barriers and fencing, and more); however, it is important to note that architectural design decisions influence crowd behavior and movement better. This study explores how crowd control strategies can be integrated into the architectural design process to enhance crowd safety, movement, and user experience. Using literature review, the research identifies key passive design features, such as entry/exit placement, circulation layouts, seating arrangements, vertical transport systems, and wayfinding, that directly affect crowd flow. It further examines the key concepts that are important in crowd control and management, as well as the theories that provide a foundation for understanding crowd behaviors and movements. The study also uses relevant case studies to examine the dangers of lack of crowd control measures (crowd disasters) and real-world examples of how these crowd control strategies work. Findings highlight the value of embedding crowd management principles at the design stage, reducing reliance on reactive measures during events. The paper proposes a set of architectural recommendations for aquatic centres that are both functional and capable of accommodating large-scale gatherings without compromising safety.

Keywords

Aquatic CentreCrowd ControlCrowd SafetyCrowd Management

References

Alkhadim, M., Gidado, K., & Painting, N. (2018). Perceived crowd safety in large space buildings: The confirmatory factor analysis of perceived risk variables. Journal of Engineering, Project, and Production Management, 8(1), 22-39. Al-Nami, W. T. (2023). Ranking and analysis the strategies of crowd management to reduce the risks of crushes and stampedes in crowded environments and ensure the safety of passengers. Neutrosophic Systems with Applications, 8, 61-78. Brown, T. and Downey, D.T. (2006) The Changing Role of Architects in Disaster. Duverge, J. J., Rajagopalan, P., & Fuller, R. (2017). Defining aquatic centres for energy and water benchmarking purposes. Sustainable Cities and Society, 31, 51-61. Feliciani, C., Shimura, K., & Nishinari, K. (2022). Introduction to crowd management: Managing crowds in the digital era: Theory and Practice. Springer Nature. Finn, K. (2023). An empirical study of crowd dynamics and managing safety at events (Doctoral dissertation, University of Plymouth). Jaiyeola, G. O., Muhammad, I. B., & Olagunju, R. E. (2018). Assessment of Design Features for Crowd Control in Sport Centres in Nigerian Universities. Conference Proceedings of the School of Environmental Technology International Conference (SETIC), Federal University of Technology, Minna 10-12 April 2018. Ikibe, J. H., & Akande, O. K. (2018). Crowd Control in Public Building Designs: Current Trend and Strategies for Ecclesiastical Buildings in Abuja, Nigeria. Minegishi, Y., & Takeichi, N. (2018). Design guidelines for crowd evacuation in a stadium for controlling evacuee accumulation and sequencing. Japan Architectural Review, 1(4), 471-485. https://doi.org/10.1002/2475-8876.12042 Nwokorie, A. J., Obi-George, L. C., Ibe, P. C., Okoro, O. N., Adegoke, S. A., Lembi, J. J., & Ochonogor, H. (2024). Towards Enhancing Crowd Control in Recreation Parks: Case for Effects of Inadequate Planning on the User's Comfort. Sagun, A., Bouchlaghem, D., & Anumba, C. J. (2008). Building design information and requirements for crowd safety during disasters. Resilient Organisations. Struniawski, J. (2024). Crowd management during mass events. Zeszyty Naukowe SGSP/Szko?a G?ówna S?u?by Po?arniczej. Tamjidi, M., & Khazaei, F. (2015). Investigating the Aspects of Environmental Sustainability Approach in Designing Aquatic Sports Complex. European Online Journal of Natural and Social Sciences: Proceedings, 4(3 (s)), pp-847. Winter H (2012) Modelling Crowd Dynamics During Evacuation Situations Using Simulation, Lancaster University, May 22, 2012. Yaman, M. (2025). Analysis of Exits in Fire Evacuation and Crowd Management in Multi- Functional Sports Halls. International Journal of Built Environment and Sustainability, 12(1), 23-32.

Integrating Crowd Control Strategies into the Design of Aquatic Centres

Abstract

Keywords

References

More Articles from INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENGINEERING AND MODERN TECHNOLOGY