Abstract:
The importance of students housing to University of Port Harcourt in particular and other universities in general must be recognized. The students immediate need after a day's lecture is a place to eat, relax and sleep therefore his housing must be convenient like classroom and library and must be clean, warm, functional in terms of space arrangement and positioning and well furnished. The primary aim of this research is to carry out detailed study on spatial placement of facilities/spaces (interior and exterior) and circulation flow and subsequently design of students hostel. The researcher has gone through great lengths in examining the history of halls of residence in the world and in Nigerian universities. Various case studies were taken to find out their strengths and prevailing problems especially in terms of placement of spaces, functionality and circulation flow. General principles of students housing were examined and applied according to their particular situation. The site was analyzed according to basic environmental factors that affect it and conclusion was drawn. A concept was also developed to fit the desire for a well functional, easy flow and comfortable housing. Steps towards achieving this project are also proffered by the researcher. Recommendations are also drawn up on the design of hostels taking cognizance placement of spaces and circulation flow to achieve comfort.
