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Effect of Entrance Width on Crowd Movement in Public Buildings

Abstract

The study examines the effect of entrance width on crowd movement in public buildings, with emphasis on how the dimensions of building entrances influence the movement, flow, and circulation of large numbers of people. Entrance width is an important consideration in public building design because inadequate entrance capacity may restrict movement, create congestion, increase waiting time, and affect the ease and safety of access. Appropriate entrance dimensions can therefore support smoother movement and improve the functional performance of buildings during periods of high occupancy. The study will assess the relationship between entrance width and crowd movement in selected public buildings. Attention will be given to entrance width, number of entrance points, door configuration, entrance approach, circulation space, pedestrian flow, and the relationship between entrances and internal circulation routes. Crowd movement will be assessed using indicators such as pedestrian volume, movement speed, waiting time, congestion levels, queue formation, flow rate, and ease of entry and exit. The study will also consider factors such as building function, occupancy level, time of use, entrance arrangement, and the presence of obstacles around entrance areas. A descriptive cross-sectional research design will be adopted for the study. An appropriate sample of selected public buildings and their users will be selected using a suitable sampling technique. Data will be collected through physical measurements of entrance widths, direct observation, pedestrian movement counts, queue and congestion assessment, circulation mapping, photographic documentation, and structured questionnaires administered to building users and relevant personnel. The collected data will be analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation, while appropriate comparative and correlation techniques will be applied to determine the relationship between entrance width and crowd movement. The study is expected to reveal differences in crowd movement associated with variations in entrance width. Entrances with adequate width are expected to accommodate greater pedestrian flow, reduce congestion and waiting time, and support smoother movement during periods of high occupancy. Narrow entrances may restrict movement, increase queue formation, create conflicts between incoming and outgoing users, and increase the time required for people to enter or leave the building. The effects are expected to vary according to crowd size, entrance configuration, building function, circulation space, door operation, and the number of available entrances. The findings will be useful to architects, urban planners, facility managers, public building owners, developers, safety professionals, and other professionals involved in the planning and management of public facilities. The study may provide practical information for determining suitable entrance dimensions and improving pedestrian circulation in buildings with high visitor or occupant volumes. It may also support the planning of more functional and accessible entrance areas that can accommodate varying levels of crowd movement. The study will conclude by establishing the effect of entrance width on crowd movement in public buildings and emphasizing the importance of appropriate entrance dimensions in supporting efficient and safe pedestrian circulation. It is recommended that entrance widths be planned in relation to expected occupancy, pedestrian volume, building function, entrance configuration, and available circulation space. Further studies should examine entrance width and crowd movement across different public building types and under varying occupancy and movement conditions.

Keywords: Entrance width, crowd movement, public buildings, pedestrian flow, entrance design, pedestrian circulation, building accessibility, crowd management, pedestrian movement, congestion, queue formation, building entrances, circulation planning, public architecture, architectural design.