ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN APPROACHES FOR EFFECTIVE CROWD CONTROL IN MULTIPLEXES AND ENTERTAINMENT HUBS, VICTORIA ISLAND

Abstract

Since the dawn of man, entertainment has come shortly after food, water, and shelter on our list of priorities. Architecture has historically complemented entertainment and this connection has produced many buildings, both ancient and modern, designed to house large audiences. This research focuses on optimizing crowd control through effective circulation and layout in a Multiplex and Entertainment Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos State, Nigeria. With over 17 million residents, Lagos, known as the “city of entertainment” faces significant crowd management challenges. As a hub for entertainment, strategic space organization becomes essential for ensuring smooth movement within and around these facilities. Data for this project was collected using qualitative methods, including case studies and participant observation at various multiplexes in Nigeria, alongside secondary sources like textbooks and journals. Key findings indicate the presence of a conventional crowd type and propose design solutions such as: strategic planning of vehicular and pedestrian traffic, separate entrance and exit paths, unobstructed pathways, well-positioned emergency exits, and the adoption of a horizontal multi-story composition. These findings contribute to the growing body of knowledge on effective crowd management and circulation in public spaces, providing insights for future architectural designs in Lagos State and beyond