EVALUATION OF BIOMORPHIC-INSPIRED CIRCULATION STRATEGIES FOR THE DESIGN OF NIGERIAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS ARCHITECTURE MUSEUM, IBADAN, NIGERIA

Abstract

Biomorphic-inspired circulation strategies mimic natural forms and patterns to create intuitive and engaging circulation systems in a building space. Designing an architecture museum requires circulation spaces that are intuitive in guiding users’ movement to engage with various architectural-related exhibits on display. To this end, the aim of the study is to investigate the adoption of biomorphic-inspired circulation strategies for the design of an architecture museum in Ibadan, Nigeria, with a view to enhancing user experience. The objectives of the study include to: determine the biomorphic-inspired circulation strategies that can be adopted in museum design; analyse the extent of adoption of biomorphic-inspired circulation strategies in museums in Nigeria; evaluate users’ satisfaction level with the biomorphic-inspired circulation strategies adopted in Nigerian museums; and develop the findings in the design of an architecture museum in Ibadan, Nigeria. A mixed-method approach was employed, utilising qualitative and quantitative research techniques. Qualitative data was gathered through literature review, case studies of eight (8) selected Museums, comprising four (4) Nigerian museums and four (4) international museums, including interviews. Multi-stage sampling technique was used in the selection of these museums, while the snowball sampling method facilitated the selection of the five museum staff members who were interviewed. These selected museums were evaluated using an observation guide. Findings revealed that international museums highly adopted biomorphic-inspired circulation strategies, while Nigerian museums showed low adoption, highlighting gaps in the adoption of Nature-inspired Form & Function, Organic Geometry, Design Movement, Nature-inspired patterns, and Technology integration. Quantitative data were gathered from 57 museum users with the aid of a structured questionnaire. Descriptive analysis of the data, as presented in tables and analysed using SPSS software, indicated that National Museum of Unity, Ibadan and Yemisi Shyllon Museum had the highest level of very satisfied users with the biomorphic-inspired strategies adopted. Didi Museum had the lowest level of very satisfied users, while National Museum, Lagos had an equal share of very satisfied users and very dissatisfied users. However, the research concludes that while the international museums fully adopted the strategies, a holistic adoption of biomorphic-inspired circulation strategies in Nigerian museums is recommended to enhance user experience by addressing the existing gap in the level of adoption. Furthermore, the research aligns with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 9, 11, 12, 13, and 17, supporting user-centric design and environmental harmony. This research contributes to biomorphic design discourse, offering valuable insights for scholars, practitioners, and policymakers to create adaptive architecture museum environments.