Abstract:
The surge of urbanization underscores the paramount significance of civic centers, owing to their pivotal role in both the urban landscape and broader human existence. Serving as emblematic communal spaces, civic centers host a range of events including ceremonial gatherings, rallies, conventions, as well as social and commercial activities. However, these centers, as magnets for human influx, necessitate the integration of design strategies that foster heightened social interaction within their premises. Regrettably, the attention directed towards enhancing civic centers, particularly in Minna, Niger State, Nigeria, remains inadequate.
This thesis meticulously assesses the efficacy of the social interactive spaces offered within Minna’s civic centers, Nigeria. The core objective is to pinpoint design attributes and activities that can amplify social engagement within these centers. A deliberate selection of seven civic centers in Minna, Niger State, Nigeria, was made to facilitate this study. Employing a blend of quantitative and descriptive research methods encompassing observation schedules, case studies, and questionnaire surveys, the data amassed was subjected to analysis using Microsoft Excel and a four-point Likert scale computation.
The findings divulge the insufficiency of interactive spaces within civic centers to stimulate community cohesion. Additionally, the analysis identifies a variety of design features in the examined civic centers, with a mere 14% incorporating elements that foster social interaction, such as game arcades, fitness facilities, cinemas, and sporting amenities. This study concludes by asserting the necessity for a paradigm shift among civic center designers, urging the incorporation of social interactive spaces that can tangibly augment public life. Consequently, this research proposes a cost-effective integration of existing interactive spaces, effectively rupturing the prevalent monotony pervasive in numerous civic center designs. The suggested interactive spaces encompass game arcades, departmental stores, libraries, vocational departments, restaurants, exhibition halls, as well as seating areas strategically positioned around lobbies and walkways. Moreover, meticulous attention should be directed towards other interactive facets like lighting, accessibility, entertainment provisions, and other compelling variables, all of which collectively have the potential to usher in a substantial transformation in the enhancement of civic centers.
ENHANCING SOCIAL INTERACTION IN CIVIC CENTERS THROUGH DESIGN APPROACHES IN MINNA, NIGER STATE, NIGERIA. GET MORE, ACTUARIAL SCIENCE PROJECT TOPICS AND MATERIALS
