Enhancing Circulation and Spatial Flexibility in the Design of a Basketball Academy in Yenagoa, Nigeria

Abstract

Basketball is becoming more popular in Nigeria, but there's a big problem with the lack of proper buildings designed for training, keeping crowds safe, and being used in different ways. Many current sports facilities have problems with how people move around, their spaces are not flexible, and they can't support different types of activities. This leads to crowded areas, safety issues, some people being left out, and the buildings not being used properly over time. This study looks at how moving around and flexible space planning are important design choices in building a new basketball academy in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. The research uses ideas about how people move around, find their way, use spaces, and how buildings can be adapted. It follows a design-based approach and looks at examples from sports buildings in different parts of the world. Key standards like FIBA rules, NFPA safety codes, and universal design principles guide how the design is made. The academy is designed with clear areas for different uses, separate paths for athletes, visitors, and staff, and spaces that can be used for various sports, learning, and community activities. The design takes into account Yenagoa's wet land and lots of rain by using raised paths, covered walkways, and drainage systems that work together. The study shows that focusing on movement and adaptability improves safety, makes spaces more welcoming for everyone, creates a better experience for users, and helps places stay useful over time. It shows that a carefully planned basketball academy can serve as both a place for training and a lasting community center, providing a useful example for building sports facilities across Nigeria.

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