USER SATISFACTION IN LOW/MIDDLE INCOME HOUSING, JOS, NIGERIA(A CASE STUDY OF OLD LEGISLATIVE QUARTERS, JOS)

C. Gofwen, S. N. Gaiya, E. O. Ola-Adisa, and Z. Ishaku

Department of Architecture

University of Jos, Jos, Nigeria

Email: olaefeadisa@gmail.com

Abstract

This study examined the effect that spatial perception has on residents of low and middle class housing in a housing estate in Jos. Several factors affected spatial perception including sociological needs, psychological state and individual differences. A major factor the study considered was the environment which also influenced human behaviour even as both mental and physical stimuli affected behavioural responses; providing an insight into the relationship between user perceptions of spatial design and satisfaction with the residential units. Using mixed methods, two randomly selected sample populations completed questionnaires concerning the awareness of the influence on spatial design on their behaviour in the residential units in Old Legislative Quarters, Jos. This was achieved using Likert scales in the self-administered questionnaires.  Data was divided into four broad sections, with each section containing variables such as socio-economic data, spatial perception, population and condition as well as the effect of some factors on behaviour.  The qualitative approach was used in the form of the case study approached in order to evaluate the effects of spatial perception on the behaviour of the students. From the findings it was deduced that good architectural design can only be achieved when architects observe and are as interested in the occupants of the buildings they design as the buildings.

Key words: Effects, Human Behaviour, spatial design, user perceptions