Circulation and Spatial Planning Strategies for Efficient and Biosafe Medical Research Facilities in Selected Research Institute

Medical research facilities require effective spatial planning and circulation systems to support efficient workflow, biosafety, accessibility, and collaboration. Poorly organized circulation can result in unnecessary movement, congestion, interaction between incompatible flows, and operational inefficiencies. As this study examined circulation and spatial planning strategies for efficient and biosafe medical research facilities, with emphasis on their application to sickle cell and blood disorders research environments. The study aims to assess circulation and spatial planning strategies for efficient and biosafe medical research facilities in selected research institute. A qualitative comparative case study approach was adopted, using the Institute for Advanced Medical Research and Training (IAMRAT), University College Hospital, Ibadan, and the Paediatric Sickle Cell Centre, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, as case studies. Data were obtained through architectural observation, review of available drawings and documentation, and analysis of spatial relationships, circulation patterns, zoning and movement flows. Findings revealed that IAMRAT is constrained by shared circulation, weak clean contaminated separation, long movement routes and limited spatial flexibility, while the LASUTH centre demonstrates improved vertical zoning, functional adjacency, accessibility and partial circulation segregation, although some shared routes and expansion limitations remain. The study concludes that circulation, zoning and functional adjacency are critical to efficient and biosafe research environments. It recommends differentiated circulation routes, stronger clean contaminated separation, flexible laboratory planning, improved accessibility, effective wayfinding, dedicated service routes and planned future expansion.