Evolution of Spatial Configurations in Ghana’s Housing Development: The Case of Private Apartment Buildings in Ghana

Abstract

In architectural application, activity spaces in the spatial system must follow a thought through process in order to harness its full benefits. Amidst current developments, modernization and innovative technology in the recent contemporary development of private apartment buildings, high consumption of energy and poor functional efficiencies of spatial configurations coupled with defects in activity performances have become prevalent issues. This study is aimed at evaluating the functional efficiency of spatial configuration of selected apartment buildings in Ghana to aid improvement as much as adding to the body of knowledge. The objective was to assess the impact of spatial configuration parameters on the functional performance of apartment spatial layouts. Using the space syntax methodology (Mean Depth, Mean Integration, Space factor, Space-link ratio and Space type) 30 apartment layouts spanning over a 30 (divided into 3 periods) year period was examined (1980-2010). Mean depth for bedrooms and washrooms (bathroom and toilet) was high across all the periods. This gives an indication of how private these spaces have been and continue to be.  Mean Integration values showed the kitchen in the 3^rd and the living spaces in the 2^nd and 3^rd periods being very efficient and less segregated. The results show the 3^rd period layout (more recent) offer better solutions in terms of privacy but the negative effects (depression, marginalization, loneliness) of the drive for privacy and shunning away from communal living, even within nuclei family structures and spaces ought to be considered. The study thus provides scientific evidence of the progress made in the development of spatial configuration in the Ghanaian housing sector. It also unearths the possible dangers that this progression is fraught with. The data collected is of immense benefit in the design process of future house layouts in Ghana as to the way forward towards developing a congenial environment.