ABSTRACT
Buildings are manmade structures that are primarily meant for shelter. They are designed in different sizes, shapes, forms and functions. Some buildings have only one function and some have multiple functions such as residential and commercial purposes. These types of building are referred to as mixed-use building. One major problem encountered with these structures is the issue of insecurity which is as a result of poor design which makes them more prone to attacks by the terrorist and criminals because of the nature of these buildings and their usage. They are easy target because these terrorists know that huge and valuable properties are stored in them. Theaim of this research is an assessment of passive security design measures in mixed use building. The research method employed is qualitative research where the buildings were randomly selected from the sample population.The criterion for selection is building with three or more significant uses. Significant uses such as residential, commercial, retail, institutional, recreational, and hotel uses. Data was collected through personal observation and analysis of the results from the collected data were discussed and shown in tables and charts using Microsoft office word and power point. It was discovered that passive security measures to consider in mixed-use building are standoff distance, passive security elements on site and access and parking facilities. The study established that 70% of the selected mixed-use buildings in Offa lacked the integration of passive security measureat the design stage. The thesis contributed to knowledge by establishing a clear distance of 1200 millimetres between adjacent security barriers with a height of 600millimeters and above for security design. It is recommended that passive security measures such as maximum standoff between structures, use of carbon reinforced polymer as wall cladding, use of perimeter fence, use of defensive plantings, use of laminated safety exterior glass and the use of chicane and offset road approach should be integrated during the design stage so as to ensure the safety of lives and properties.
CHAPTER ONE
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study
The security of every citizen in a country should be the paramount objectives of every government and the state (Achumbaet al., 2013). The security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of the government (Adetokunbo, 2013). However, security still remains a prominent problem in the Nigeria despite the fact that it is a primary objective of the government.
Security is crime prevention, security technology and risk management or loss prevention (David, 2015). Security is a situation that exists when actions for the safety of persons, information and property against unreceptive persons and deeds are established (Achumba et al, 2013). However, David and Achumba et al did not define security in the context of the building and the environment. Therefore securityis when the building is integrated with measures that make persons and properties safe.
According to Azazi (2011), different measures have been put in place by the government so as to curb crime in Nigeria. According to the Global Peace Index (GPI, 2012), Nigeria was ranked low in the GPI despite all the efforts by the government to reduce crime and terrorism. However, even with all these measures to curb insecurity, crime rates and attacks have been on the increase creating fear and insecurity among the citizens. This implies that there is inefficiency in the security of lives and properties throughout the country.
Public building continues to be a major problem to those who are involved in the design and construction. The designers involved in these buildings are faced with the problem of securing the asset and the building. In the design of these buildings, factors such as the function of the building, the needs of the users and the nature of the work are put in to consideration.The security level of these buildings is determined by the sensitivity of work in the building. For example, a bank will require high level of security because of its nature of work which is keeping money (Adedayo et al., 2017). However, security measures should not only be considered during the design and construction stages, it should be a continued process even when the building is in use.
The Architect is the leader in the building professional team and also responsible for the design of these buildings. Therefore, he shouldintegrate passive security during the design stage. Passive security is a design that prevents threats and does not affect the day to day functioning of the building. If a building is designed, it is important to consider how the security of the building can be achieved sustainably.
Passive security offers lots of benefit. An ideal passive security design is sustainable, safe, and secure and aesthetically pleasing. Therefore, to secure a public building, it is important that the Architect and other professionals involved in the design to make passive security an integral part of the design.
Public buildings such as mixed-use buildings, malls, Banks, airports, ports, hotels, government offices, markets and police stations are seen as easy and soft target by the terrorist because huge and valuable properties are stored in these places. Therefore, theaim of this research is to assess passive security measures in mixed-use buildings in Kwara State.
1.1 Statement of the Research Problem
The question that bothers every Nigerian is that can the security of lives and properties be guaranteed? considering the lingering challenges posed by insecurity and efforts by the government to ensure the safety of citizens in the country.People have come in to conclusion that the government at all levels have failed in providing a safe and secured environment for her citizens.
Huge amount of funds have been diverted by the government to national security agencies in ensuring security of the citizens but it seems that the security situation in Nigeria appears or at least have remained undefeatable. That means all these funds and efforts are a waste. This is a matter that needs urgent attention because there are other sectors that need serious attention by the government but because of the importance of security, these sectors have been given less attention.
Public buildings such as condominiums, malls, churches, mosques, air ports and market places are more prone to attacks by the terrorist and criminals because of the nature of these buildings and their usage. The terrorists know that it is not possible to completely secure these buildings so they are at risk. There was an incident of bank robbery attack that occurred in Offa local government area of Kwara State on the 6th of April, 2018 where more than 30 people lost their lives including 13 police officers and several other people sustained serious injury (Leke, 2018). The armed robbers also carted away with millions of naira. Had there been a well established security measures in these buildings, the casualties might have been minimal or not happen at all.
It is not only the role of the government to tackle insecurity, Architects and professionals in the building industries are not left out as they responsible for design and the planning of the built environment. Therefore, a combined effort from the government and professionals in the building industry will minimize insecurity in public buildings and Nigeria at large.
1.2 Aim and Objectives
1.2.1 Aim
The aim of this work is to carry out an assessmentof passive security design measures in mixed-use buildings towards ensuring a safe and secure environment. To achieve this aim, the following objectives are outlined.
1.2.2 Objectives
1. Identify different types of security threat in mixed-use building.
2. Determine different security design measures to mitigate security threats in mixed- use building.
3. Identify different passive security design elements that can be used to mitigate security in mixed-use building.
4. Proposal fora mixed-use building design integrated with a passive security measures that will guarantee the safety of the building and the users.
1.3 Justification
Security is an incorporated idea of positive peace, fundamental human rights and sustainable development (Pam, 2005). It is therefore the freedom from danger, intimidation, lack of fear, and the assurance of the good life.
Apart from ensuring the safety of lives and property, security also enhance the state of mind as the mind is free from every form of unnecessary worries, anxiety and feelings of insecurity. Therefore, ensuring security of buildings is to say that you are prolonging the life span of the inhabitants.
1.4 Contribution to Knowledge
At the end of this research, professionals in the building industry most especially the Architect being the front runner will have the knowledge of passive security design and understand why it is necessary to incorporate it in the design right from the pre- design and the design stages. Users of public building will also be enlightened on how to maintain security in their immediate environment.
1.5 Scope of Work
The scope of this work involves identifying and implementing different passive security design principles and design consideration in a mixed-use building design. These design principles will reflect in the building and on the proposed site plan. It will also determine and demonstrate the implementation of the most suitable elements and material to use in order to achieve a passive security design.
This material content is developed to serve as a GUIDE for students to conduct academic research
ASSESSMENT OF PASSIVE SECURITY MEASURES IN MIXEDUSE BUILDING OFFA, KWARA STATE
Project 4Topics Support Team Are Always (24/7) Online To Help You With Your Project
Chat Us on WhatsApp » 09132600555
DO YOU NEED CLARIFICATION? CALL OUR HELP DESK:
09132600555 (Country Code: +234)
YOU CAN REACH OUR SUPPORT TEAM VIA MAIL: [email protected]
09132600555 (Country Code: +234)