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Evaluation of Smart Design Strategies for Efficient Zoning and
Circulation in Selected Teaching Hospitals in Lagos.
Grace R. Okon, Oluwatoyin O. Ajayi, Samuel A. Daramola
Department of Architecture, College of Environmental Science and Management, Caleb University,
Imota, Ikorodu, Lagos, Nigeria
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51583/IJLTEMAS.2026.150500013
Received: 24 April 2026; Accepted: 29 April 2026; Published: 23 May 2026
ABSTRACT
Effective zoning and circulation are critical for the functionality of teaching hospitals, especially in rapidly
urbanizing cities like Lagos, Nigeria. These hospitals serve dual roles—healthcare delivery and medical
education—creating complex spatial demands that require careful planning. This study examines how smart
design strategies can improve zoning and circulation efficiency in selected teaching hospitals in Lagos using a
qualitative approach based on literature and institutional reviews.
Findings reveal that many existing hospital layouts are characterized by fragmented functional integration,
overlapping circulation paths, congestion in high-traffic areas, and poor separation between public, clinical, and
academic zones. Circulation systems are often linear and lack clear hierarchy, leading to inefficiencies in
movement, navigation, and wayfinding. These issues contribute to spatial disorientation among users.The study
identifies smart design solutions such as evidence-based adjacency planning, structured circulation hierarchies,
flexible and modular zoning, improved spatial legibility, and the use of digital simulation tools. It also
emphasizes the need for context-sensitive design approaches to address challenges like high patient volumes,
limited expansion space, and aging infrastructure.In conclusion, while current layouts remain functional, they
are not optimally efficient. Integrating smart design strategies can significantly enhance operational
performance, user experience, and the interaction between healthcare and education. This study provides a
framework to guide architects, planners, and policymakers in improving teaching hospital design.
Keywords: Teaching hospitals, Zoning, Circulation, Smart Design, Hospital Architecture, Lagos.
INTRODUCTION
As urban areas grow and more individuals converge, hospitals are witnessing increased pressure on their services
without much progress in design or technology. Lagos, known as one of the largest cities in Africa and a hub for
demographic and economic activity potrays these difficulties. The city is dominated by infrastructure issues,
severe traffic congestion, and swarmed public services. It is important to recognize that the architectural design
of healthcare spaces can vary in form, purpose, and usage patterns. These spaces can include primary areas such
as lobbies, patient rooms, theaters, wards, treatment rooms, laboratories, and various support areas, among others
(Akinluyi et al., 2021).
In hospital environments, the concept of a contemporary hospital building suggests a
vast, highly advanced facility with various sites for delivering care, treatments, and administrative functions.
Research shows that overly institutionalized environments in large healthcare facilities can lead to several effects
on patients and users, including stress, anxiety, difficulties with directions and spatial awareness(Anselm et al,
2022).
The integration of smart design strategies, which leverage digital tools and analytical methods such as graph-
based spatial analysis and visibility graph analysis (VGA), has become increasingly prominent in the global
hospital design discourse. These strategies help architects and planners anticipate movement patterns, enhance
visibility within built spaces, and reduce confusion in wayfinding for users (Akubue et al, 2024)
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However, this technological progress has uncovered a significant gap. While citywide mobility is being enhanced
by smart systems, healthcare facilities often lag in technological development. This creates a disconnect between
external efficiency and the internal operations of hospitals. Emergency vehicles may reach healthcare facilities
faster due to AI routing, but once they arrive, outdated layouts and limited digital support cannot effectively
manage the influx of patients (Onechojo et al., 2024). Many hospitals still use static routes, traditional signage,
and manual patient management systems, which are inadequate for today’s complex healthcare demands (Ahmed
et al., 2020). This issue shows a pressing need to incorporate smart design into hospital spaces to better align
with overall smart city strategies (Ayegbo et al., 2025). The spatial organization of these institutions must address
the challenges posed by building complexity and expansions over time, which often result in a lack of visual
clarity that hinders navigation and access to desired destinations(Ahmed et al., 2022). Inadequate signage
systems and suboptimal architectural design often create physical barriers that result in uneven access, causing
stress and uncertainty for both staff and patients during the wayfinding task(Salawu et al, 2022).
Research shows that inefficient circulation systems and inefficient spatial optimization lead to longer treatment
times, overcrowding, and lower patient throughput. For instance, circulation patterns such as linear, looped, and
radial configurations have been analyzed in Nigerian facilities to assess movement efficiency, but these studies
do not fully address the embedded spatial design strategies needed for modern teaching hospitals (Anselm et al,
2022). Many Nigerian teaching hospitals still have designs that do not meet the needs of current patient numbers
or modern clinical practices. Studies reveal ongoing problems like bottlenecks in hallways, unclear pathways,
poorly defined zones, and overcrowded diagnostic and waiting areas (Ogunyemi & Lawanson, 2022; Omole et
al., 2023). These spatial issues place extra pressure on healthcare staff, confuse patients and their families, and
hinder the overall efficiency of the facility.
In a city like Lagos, where major hospitals cater to vast and varied populations, the effects of architectural
inefficiency are even greater (Akinwale & Kuye, 2022; Abubakar et al., 2022). Structural delays due to poor
zoning, insufficient pathways, or incomplete integration of smart systems can lead to preventable medical issues,
delayed treatments, and systemic operational holdups (Adeleye & Akinyemi, 2021). Therefore, hospital design
is not just a background for healthcare delivery but a critical factor in clinical efficiency, patient safety, and the
resilience of healthcare institutions. The widening gap between advanced city systems and outdated hospital
structures highlights the urgent need for evaluation and redesign of hospital layouts, guided by smart design
principles that meet the demands of modern healthcare.
Despite increasing healthcare demand in rapidly urbanizing Nigerian cities such as Lagos, limited research has
critically examined spatial efficiency in teaching hospital design, particularly in relation to zoning configuration
and circulation performance. Existing studies tend to focus on general wayfinding or infrastructure challenges
without systematically addressing spatial optimization and functional integration within complex teaching
hospital environments. This gap highlights the need for a focused architectural evaluation of zoning strategies
and circulation hierarchies to improve operational efficiency and healthcare delivery outcomes.
This study aligns with emerging smart hospital planning frameworks that integrate evidence-based healthcare
design, digital infrastructure, and resilient spatial planning to enhance healthcare delivery in rapidly urbanizing
contexts.
The aim of this study is the evaluation of smart design strategies for efficient zoning and circulation in selected
teaching hospitals in Lagos, focusing on spatial performance and operational effectiveness.
The specific objectives are to:
Examine the existing spatial zoning and circulation patterns in selected teaching hospitals in Lagos ; and
Propose smart design strategies that can enhance zoning and circulation efficiency in teaching hospitals in Lagos.
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LITERATURE REVIEW
This section examines relevant literature on zoning and circulation in teaching hospitals, with a focus on smart
design strategies that enhance spatial efficiency. It reviews key concepts, theoretical frameworks, and previous
studies that inform effective hospital planning and organization.
Circulation Systems in Hospitals
Circulation systems, such as corridors, staircases, elevators, and connections between departments, are essential
for how individuals navigate healthcare facilities. Studies indicate that inefficiently designed circulation routes
lead to difficulties in wayfinding, longer travel distances, and increased stress for both patients and healthcare
staff (Jiang & Verderber, 2019).
A thorough examination of hospital circulation areas found that these spaces are frequently overlooked in design
research despite their significant impact on wayfinding, cognitive stress, noise levels, and social interactions
within healthcare environments (Jiang & Verderber, 2019). The authors advocated for a more deliberate
incorporation of circulation in planning models to alleviate these adverse effects . A recent study outlined
fundamental design principles to enhance internal circulation, such as clear axial corridors, the segregation of
public and staff pathways, and visibility of destinations, all of which facilitate efficient movement and minimize
confusion (Akubue et al, 2024). Architectural studies examining socio-cultural influences on building form also
emphasise the importance of contextual design considerations in institutional environments (Olaoye, 2023)
Spatial Optimazation and Wayfinding Behaviour
Wayfinding refers to users' patients, visitors, and staff's capacity to find sites within a complicated spatial setting.
Research in Nigeria and globally suggests that intricate spatial arrangements lead to confusion, annoyance, and
prolonged travel durations (Salawu et al et al., 2019). For instance, a study on wayfinding behavior in a university
hospital in Nigeria revealed that unfamiliar users faced considerable difficulties in navigating corridors,
heightening anxiety and diminishing overall satisfaction.(Ahmed et al., 2020)
Additional studies on visual accessibility and inclusive wayfinding emphasize the impact of corridor layout, sign
positioning, and visual signals on navigation ease. Limited visibility of important destinations and poorly
designed junctions can obstruct movement, particularly for first- time visitors or older individuals(Ahmed &
Muhammad, 2022). Global research also investigates wayfinding as a component of design. The layout of
emergency rooms and critical care units significantly impacts how effectively users can navigate in stressful
situations, affecting both patient safety and processing times(Haj-saleh et al, 2025).
Smart Design Strategies and Computational Tools
Recent built-environment research demonstrates that integrating sustainable and technologically responsive
design strategies, alongside innovative approaches to circulation and zoning in healthcare settings, significantly
enhances environmental performance and urban infrastructure resilience (Ibitoye et al., 2025. These approaches
employ computational resources, including spatial decision support systems, visibility graph analysis (VGA),
and simulation modeling to enhance layouts before construction. A comprehensive review of hospital layout
design highlights the application of simulation modeling and spatial network analysis to assess wider concerns
such as walkability, visibility, overcrowding, and wayfinding effectiveness. By viewing hospital layouts as
intricate spatial networks, designers can predict congestion points, explore different arrangements, and minimize
inefficiencies (Zhouran Jia et al., 2023)
A different open-access review regarding architectural spatial layout design explores how innovative digital
techniques (such as machine learning and parametric design) enhance evidence- based planning, refining
adjacency relationships and circulation clarity within hospitals(Ozlem et al., 2024). Collectively, these
computational methods enhance intelligent design frameworks that predict movement patterns, streamline
workflow routes, and elevate patient experience by synchronizing spatial design with user behavior information.
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These approaches are consistent with smart healthcare infrastructure frameworks, which emphasize data-driven
decision-making, spatial optimization, and healthcare resilience planning in contemporary hospital design.
Summary of Literature Gaps
Although global studies offer strong insights into circulation, wayfinding, and effective design strategies, there
is a paucity of literature addressing Sub-Saharan Africa, especially concerning teaching hospitals in Lagos.
Current Nigerian research emphasizes architectural wayfinding behavior or thematic analyses of circulation
systems but falls short of thorough assessments of smart design strategies suited to the specific challenges of
high-demand teaching hospitals. This discrepancy emphasizes the necessity for empirical research that evaluates
how intelligent spatial strategies can enhance zoning effectiveness and circulation functionality within these
intricate healthcare settings. Earlier studies within the Nigerian built environment have explored the adoption of
sustainable architectural technologies and their impact on infrastructure performance; however, their application
to healthcare circulation systems remains largely underexplored (Ibitoye et al., 2022).
METHODOLOGY
This study adopts a qualitative research approach grounded in case study analysis, content analysis, and
architectural spatial layout review. The research involves a systematic examination of peerreviewed literature,
institutional documents, and hospital planning guidelines to evaluate zoning configurations and circulation
systems in teaching hospitals.
Specifically, architectural plan analysis and spatial layout review are used to assess functional relationships,
circulation hierarchy, and zoning efficiency, while content analysis is applied to identify recurring design
strategies and performance gaps. Institutional document review further supports the evaluation of real-world
planning frameworks and policy guidelines relevant to hospital design.
FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION
Based on the review of 20 peer-reviewed articles and institutional publications, several key themes emerged
regarding smart design strategies for efficient zoning and circulation in teaching hospitals. The findings are
organized under four main areas: zoning patterns, circulation systems, wayfinding and spatial clarity, and
integration of smart design strategies.
Table 1: Synthesis of Selected Studies on Spatial Zoning, Circulation Systems, and Smart Design Strategies
in Healthcare Facilities
Authors
Year
Focus Area
Method
Relevance to Current Study
Abubakar et al.
2022
Urban health
infrastructure and access
Literature
review
Highlights pressure on healthcare systems
in rapidly urbanizing cities like Lagos
Adeleye & Akinyemi
2021
Hospital circulation and
service efficiency
Case study
analysis
Shows impact of circulation systems on
hospital performance
Ahmed et al.
2020
Spatial layout and
wayfinding behavior
Case study
Demonstrates how poor layouts affect
navigation in Nigerian hospitals
Salawu et al
2022
Signage and wayfinding
in
hospital environments
Document
analysis
Emphasizes role of visual cues and signage
in spatial clarity
Jiang & Verderber
2019
Hospital circulation
design
Systematic
literature review
Provides foundational principles for
circulation planning
Akubue et al
2024
Circulation systems
and spatial configuration
Literature
review
Identifies design strategies for improving
movement efficiency
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Anselm et al
2022
Circulation patterns
in Nigerian hospitals
Case-based
analysis
Highlights inefficiencies in linear
circulation systems
Ogunyemi & Lawanson
2022
Spatial deficiencies
in hospitals
Empirical study
Links poor zoning to operational
inefficiencies
Omole et al.
2023
Congestion and service
delays
Field-based
study
Shows effects of overcrowding and poor
layout in Lagos hospitals
Onechojo et al.
2024
Smart hospital systems
and IoT
Review study
Introduces smart technologies relevant to
hospital design
Ayegbo et al.
2025
Smart city and AI
systems
Conceptual
review
Provides context for integrating smart
systems into hospitals
Haj-saleh et al
2025
Spatial design and
wayfinding in
emergency units
Comparative
analysis
Shows importance of layout in high-
pressure healthcare zones
Ahmed & Muhammad
2022
Visual accessibility in
hospital design
Literature
review
Explains role of visibility and
layout in navigation
Zhouran Jia et al.
2023
Spatial decision support
systems
Review study
Demonstrates use of simulation tools in
hospital layout optimization
Ozlem et al.
2024
Computational
design in healthcare
Literature
review
Highlights role of AI and parametric tools
in smart design
Talabi et al.
2022
Sustainable and flexible
hospital design
Review study
Supports modular and adaptable zoning
strategies
Akinluyi L. et al.
2021
Healthcare infrastructure
challenges in Lagos
Contextual
study
Provides local context for spatial
inefficiencies
Ibitoye, O. O., et al.
2025
Sustainable building
systems in Lagos
Empirical built
environment
study
Demonstrates relationship between
architectural innovation and urban
infrastructure performance
Olaoye, G. O.
2023
Socio-cultural
influences on
architectural form
Architectural
case study
Highlights relationship between spatial
form, user interaction, and built
environment meaning
Existing Spatial Zoning Patterns in Teaching Hospitals
The review of literature and institutional documents reveals that zoning in teaching hospitals plays a decisive
role in determining operational efficiency, safety, and user experience. Effective hospital zoning is characterized
by clear functional clustering, defined hierarchies of space, and logical adjacency relationships between
departments.
However, evidence from studies on Nigerian and comparable contexts indicates that many teaching hospitals
exhibit fragmented zoning patterns. Clinical, administrative, and public zones are not always clearly delineated,
leading to overlaps between patient, staff, and student pathways.(Anselm et al, 2022). In several cases, diagnostic
and treatment areas are located at considerable distances from inpatient wards, increasing internal travel and
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reducing workflow efficiency. Such inconsistencies often stem from phased expansions, retrofitting of older
structures, and limited integration of evidence-based planning during initial design stages.(Jiang & Verderber,
2019)
Vertical zoning in multi-storey teaching hospitals is frequently under-optimized. High-traffic departments such
as emergency units and outpatient clinics are not consistently positioned for ease of access, contributing to
congestion and circulation conflicts(Salawu et al, 2022). These findings suggest that while zoning frameworks
may exist conceptually, their implementation in Lagos teaching hospitals requires strategic refinement and
contextual adaptation.The literature indicates that existing zoning patterns in many teaching hospitals lack the
spatial coherence necessary to fully support efficient healthcare delivery and medical education functions.
Circulation Patterns and Movement Efficiency
Circulation systems emerged as a critical determinant of spatial performance in teaching hospitals. The reviewed
studies consistently demonstrate that corridor configuration, pathway hierarchy, and separation of user flows
significantly influence operational effectiveness.
Many hospitals in developing urban contexts rely predominantly on linear corridor systems. While simple to
implement, these layouts often create long travel distances and central bottlenecks, particularly during peak
hours. In contrast, literature on smart hospital design emphasizes the advantages of looped or radial circulation
systems, which provide alternative routes and reduce congestion.
A recurring issue identified in Nigerian hospital environments is the inadequate separation of circulation flows.
The overlap of circulation paths negatively impacts different user groups, patients, visitors, medical staff, and
emergency personnel, resulting in operational delays, reduced privacy, and increased stress within the hospital
environment. Patients, visitors, medical staff, and service personnel frequently share the same pathways,
increasing delays, compromising privacy, and potentially affecting infection control measures. Additionally,
poorly positioned vertical circulation cores (elevators and staircases) can intensify congestion and disrupt
workflow continuity.
Wayfinding challenges are also closely linked to circulation inefficiencies. Where spatial layouts lack visual
clarity and intuitive directionality, users experience disorientation, which further strains circulation systems.
Collectively, the findings indicate that existing circulation patterns in many teaching hospitals in Lagos are
functional but not optimized. There is limited integration of analytical tools or smart planning strategies to
evaluate and refine movement networks. As a result, circulation inefficiencies persist, affecting both patient
experience and staff productivity.
Integration of Smart Design Strategies
The analysis of peer-reviewed studies and institutional guidelines highlights the growing role of smart design
strategies in optimizing hospital performance. These strategies extend beyond traditional layout planning to
include evidence-based design principles, digital modeling tools, and flexible spatial systems.
A key finding across the literature is the importance of adjacency planning informed by systematic analysis.
Smart design approaches utilize spatial modeling and simulation techniques to predict movement flows, identify
potential congestion points, and evaluate alternative layout configurations before implementation(Akubue et al,
2024). Such tools enable designers to evaluate circulation networks and zoning efficiency during the planning
stage, rather than after construction.
However, the literature also indicates that integrating smart design strategies in developing contexts faces
challenges, including financial constraints, limited technical expertise, and the need to retrofit older
infrastructures (Talabi et al., 2022). In Lagos teaching hospitals, where many facilities were constructed
incrementally, applying smart design principles may require phased redesign strategies rather than complete
structural overhauls. The findings suggest that smart design strategies provide a viable pathway for improving
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zoning and circulation efficiency. When contextually adapted, these strategies can enhance workflow, reduce
congestion, improve user orientation, and strengthen the dual healthcare and educational functions of teaching
hospitals.
Synthesis of Findings
The synthesis of literature and institutional publications highlights several interconnected insights regarding
zoning and circulation efficiency in teaching hospitals. Effective zoning must reflect clear operational hierarchies
and well-defined functional adjacencies, with careful consideration of the movement patterns of patients, staff,
and students. Where these spatial relationships are weak, circulation inefficiencies and congestion are likely to
occur.
Efficient circulation networks require structured, and where possible, separate movement pathways to reduce
bottlenecks and enhance safety. Similarly, wayfinding should not rely solely on signage but integrate both
physical spatial clarity and supportive digital navigation tools to improve user orientation within complex
hospital environments.
The findings further demonstrate that smart design strategies, including digital modeling, simulation techniques,
and modular layouts, provide evidence-based approaches for optimizing hospital performance. However, their
successful implementation in Lagos teaching hospitals depends on contextual adaptation, particularly in response
to space limitations, existing infrastructure, and high patient volumes. The synthesis reinforces the need for an
integrated spatial strategy that aligns zoning structure, circulation hierarchy, wayfinding systems, and smart
planning methodologies to enhance efficiency in teaching hospitals.
CONCLUSION
This research analyzed intelligent design approaches to improve zoning and circulation effectiveness in chosen
teaching hospitals in Lagos via a qualitative systematic review of literature and organizational documents.
Concerning the first goal, which aimed to analyze current spatial zoning and circulation patterns, the results
indicate that numerous teaching hospitals display disjointed functional groupings, intersecting movement
patterns, and mainly linear circulation systems that lead to overcrowding and challenges in navigation.
Insufficient division among public, clinical, and academic areas further diminishes operational effectiveness and
spatial transparency.
Regarding the second objective, aimed at suggesting intelligent design strategies for enhancement, the analyzed
studies consistently highlight the significance of evidence-driven adjacency planning, organized circulation
hierarchies, enhanced spatial clarity, and the incorporation of digital modeling along with adaptable design
frameworks. These approaches offer practical and flexible solutions that can tackle recognized inefficiencies.
In general, the research shows that although current layouts function, they are not optimized. Context-sensitive
smart design methods present considerable opportunities to enhance workflow efficiency, minimize congestion,
and bolster the healthcare and educational roles of teaching hospitals in Lagos. While confined to qualitative
secondary analysis, the study lays the groundwork for upcoming empirical research on spatial performance in
Nigerian hospital settings.
RECOMMENDATIONS
This section presents recommendations derived from the findings of the study and insights gained from the
reviewed literature. It proposes practical and context-sensitive strategies aimed at improving zoning and
circulation systems in teaching hospitals. These recommendations are intended to guide architects, planners, and
stakeholders in designing more efficient, functional, and user-centered healthcare facilities.
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Zoning and Spatial Arrangement
Lagos teaching hospitals ought to enhance effective clustering by strategically situating interrelated departments
nearby to minimize unnecessary internal movement. Distinct vertical and horizontal spatial hierarchies ought to
direct the positioning of high-traffic clinical zones, administrative departments, and educational areas. Moreover,
implementing adaptable and modular zoning frameworks will enable hospitals to respond to evolving healthcare
needs, technological progress, and variations in patient numbers while maintaining effective circulation
efficiency.
Circulation Mechanisms
Circulation networks need to be intentionally designed to facilitate seamless and continuous movement
throughout hospital areas. Where possible, corridor systems ought to include alternative routing choices to
minimize congestion, especially in emergency and outpatient zones. Distinct separation of pathways for staff,
patients, and visitors is crucial to reduce congestion, improve infection control, and boost workflow efficiency.
Vertical circulation components like elevators and staircases must be strategically located to enhance effective
interdepartmental connectivity.
Navigation and Spatial Clarity
Wayfinding enhancements must go beyond signage to incorporate intuitive spatial designs that improve visibility
and orientation. Well-defined nodes, recognizable areas, and uniform visual indicators can greatly alleviate
navigation anxiety for patients, visitors, and students. The incorporation of digital navigation systems, where
feasible, can further boost accessibility and elevate the overall user experience in extensive teaching hospital
settings.
Intelligent Design Incorporation
Intelligent design approaches, such as evidence-driven planning, spatial modeling, and simulation tools, must be
incorporated in both new construction and renovation activities. These methods allow for the assessment of
adjacency connections and movement trends before execution, decreasing long-term inefficiencies. Institutional
dedication to recognized healthcare design guidelines, coupled with regular evaluations of spatial performance,
will guarantee that zoning and circulation systems continue to address operational requirements in Lagos
teaching hospitals
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