Investigating Circulation Patterns and Movement Efficiency and Their Relationship to Occupant Satisfaction and Community Interaction in Residential Buildings in Port Harcourt Metropolis

Abraham; Pyamene; Dimkpa; Kelechukwu; Ohochuku; Chinwennwo Philips; Daminabo; Ferdinand Frank

doi:10.56201/ijemt.vol.12.no3.2026.pg223.233

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Investigating Circulation Patterns and Movement Efficiency and Their Relationship to Occupant Satisfaction and Community Interaction in Residential Buildings in Port Harcourt Metropolis

Abraham, Pyamene, Dimkpa, Kelechukwu, Ohochuku, Chinwennwo Philips, Daminabo, Ferdinand Frank

Abstract

This paper focused on circulation patterns and movement efficiency and their relationship to occupant satisfaction and community interaction in residential buildings in Port Harcourt Metropolis. The patterns in neighbourhood design within the metropolis are grid/linear or clustered layouts. To ensure all areas were covered, the Diobu, Town and Rumueprikom towns were investigated and data collected through mixed methods, which covered both quantitative and qualitative, administering questionnaires, interviews, observation. The predominant houses within these areas were selected randomly based on the design of the majority of the houses. studied and data gathered through mixed methods, distribution of questionnaires, observations and interviews with respondents. The need for adequate circulation patterns and movement efficiency can’t be overemphasised, either in buildings of one floor or more. The relationship between the circulation patterns and movement efficiency to occupant satisfaction and community interaction was examined using the Likert scale, and the survey findings here confirmed that circulation in Port Harcourt residences is failing to serve as a social catalyst, despite the density of the neighbourhoods, while Overall satisfaction with circulation is low, with 46.4% of respondents expressing dissatisfaction. This overall judgement reflected the cumulative effect of the specific problems: illogical internal flows, unsafe vertical circulation, excessive walking distances, and circulation that neither supports movement nor social life. Interview narratives made clear that circulation quality, which includes corridors, stairways, thresholds, and entryways, shapes everyday usability, safety, and social life in Port Harcourt housing.

Keywords

circulation patternsmovement efficiencyoccupant satisfaction and community interaction. IJEMT

References

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Investigating Circulation Patterns and Movement Efficiency and Their Relationship to Occupant Satisfaction and Community Interaction in Residential Buildings in Port Harcourt Metropolis

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