ASSESSING UNIVERSAL DESIGN STRATEGIES FOR ENHANCING WAYFINDING IN INSTITUTIONAL BUILDINGS IN LAGOS, NIGERIA

Wayfinding difficulties in institutional buildings can reduce user independence and increase search time. This study examines Universal Design (UD) strategies for improving wayfinding in institutional buildings, using selected institutional and corporate buildings as the study context. A mixed-methods approach combined a questionnaire survey of 315 built-environment professionals and building users, field observation, and comparative analysis of seven case studies across three continents. Findings indicate that complex layouts (M=4.56), difficulty locating key facilities (M=4.62), unclear signage (M=4.49), and difficulty locating vertical circulation (M=4.45) are major wayfinding challenges. Respondents strongly supported UD strategies, clear and consistent signage (M=4.65), logical spatial organization (M=4.58), and reduced dependence on verbal directions (M=4.53). Comparative findings show that central visual anchors, multi-sensory cues, step-free circulation and hybrid physical-digital systems can improve navigational clarity and independence. Although existing studies provide substantial international evidence on inclusive wayfinding, empirical evidence from Nigerian institutional buildings remains limited. This study addresses this gap by linking user perceptions with comparative evidence to identify practical strategies for improving institutional wayfinding. The findings provide guidance for inclusive and operationally effective institutional environments within the Nigerian context and practice