Civil Engineering and Architecture Vol. 9(4), pp. 1123 - 1136
DOI: 10.13189/cea.2021.090414
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Influence of Spatial Layout of Residential Buildings on Sedentary Behaviour of Residents in Enugu, Nigeria

Austin M. Ezezue ^1,*, Eziyi O. Ibem ², Francis O. Uzuegbunam ², Chinwuba O. Odum ², Monoyoren E. Omatsone ^3
1 Department of Architecture, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria
² Department of Architecture, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Enugu State, Nigeria
³ Department of Architecture, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria

ABSTRACT

Sedentary lifestyle is a major cause of several non-communicable killer diseases globally. However, there is limited understanding of how the design and planning of residential buildings can help in curbing sedentary lifestyle among urban population in the developing countries. This research investigated the spatial layout of residential buildings and its influence on sedentary lifestyle of the occupants in Enugu metropolis in southeast Nigeria. A questionnaire survey of 400 residents and evaluation of the active design features of the floor plans of their residential buildings were conducted in the study area. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics, ANOVA, Duncan multiple comparison test, and thematic content analysis. The residential buildings were found to have the traditional house and western style house layouts. Although the results indicated that residents spent about 90% of the time at home on sedentary activity, those living in buildings with traditional house layout were found to spend the least time on sedentary activity compared to those in dwelling units with western style house layout pattern. The results of Duncan multiple comparison test revealed that residents in house layouts where the conveniences are separated from the sleeping place or lounge, spent significantly lower time on sedentary activity such as sitting, while the reverse was the case for light activity like standing. The findings of this research are instructive in revealing that when it comes to active design, the traditional house layout pattern appears to have advantage over the modern or western style. It is therefore recommended that to achieve residential design that promotes physical activity among occupants, architects and other professionals involved in housing development should consider the adoption of the traditional layout concept in the design of future homes in the study area and beyond.

KEYWORDS
Active Design, Enugu, Physical Activity, Residential Buildings, Sedentary Behaviour, Survey

Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Austin M. Ezezue , Eziyi O. Ibem , Francis O. Uzuegbunam , Chinwuba O. Odum , Monoyoren E. Omatsone , "Influence of Spatial Layout of Residential Buildings on Sedentary Behaviour of Residents in Enugu, Nigeria," Civil Engineering and Architecture, Vol. 9, No. 4, pp. 1123 - 1136, 2021. DOI: 10.13189/cea.2021.090414.

(b). APA Format:
Austin M. Ezezue , Eziyi O. Ibem , Francis O. Uzuegbunam , Chinwuba O. Odum , Monoyoren E. Omatsone (2021). Influence of Spatial Layout of Residential Buildings on Sedentary Behaviour of Residents in Enugu, Nigeria. Civil Engineering and Architecture, 9(4), 1123 - 1136. DOI: 10.13189/cea.2021.090414.