Modular Principles for Flexibility of Spaces in Skill Acquisition Centres, Benue State

Abstract

The design of skill centre around the country is such that they are specific to particular skill type and usually the buildings cannot be used for another activity. The need to use spaces for multiple functions has ensured that flexible spaces in skill acquisition centres are designed such that the spaces can easily be varied into smaller discrete and scalable sizes. This paper examined the interior spaces for pedagogical and didactic activities in six selected skills acquisition centres in Benue state. The issue of the rigidity of spaces occurring as product of the building design which is meant to serve a required function usually ensures that spaces are less flexible and in many cases unusable for other functions. The aim of the study is to examine the flexibility nature of skill centres with a view to determining functions that could be combined. A post occupancy evaluation was carried out using a mix method approach through the use of observation checklist and questionnaire. The issues examined include the various sizes of workshop spaces, walling materials used to enclose spaces, the degree of flexibility of both spaces and materials based on modular principles and users' perception of satisfaction of working spaces. A total of 300 copies of questionnaires were administered to staff and students. Based on the total valid responses, 70% were not satisfied with the sizes of the working space. The resultant data obtained was analysed using descriptive statistics from SPSS. It was observed that most spaces though modular were non-flexible. Users' satisfaction with the sizes of working spaces was determined. The paper concluded on the need for the flexibility of spaces in order to accommodate varying utility.

Keywords: Flexibility, Interior Spaces, Modular Space, User Satisfaction, Working Space