Social Interaction and Users’ Satisfaction with Selected Mixed-Use Buildings as Sustainable Urban Design Solution

Nigerian cities are facing intensified urbanisation, straining infrastructural and land resources and living standards. Mixed-use projects, which combine commercial, residential, office, and recreational spaces, are gaining traction as a sustainable urban design solution. While these structures are praised for enhancing social interaction and economic activities, their effectiveness relies on how well they meet the needs of their occupants. Despite their growing prevalence, there is a lack of evidence-based information regarding their efficacy in relation to the occupants' experiences. Emphasising the impact of physical design, functionality, usability, relative safety, comfort, amenities, and management on user experience, this research aims to examine user satisfaction with selected mixed-use developments in Lagos and Abuja. The research applies a quantitative post-occupancy evaluation (POE) approach using structured research questionnaires administered to different user groups, such as office users, residents, commercial users, and tourists. The socioeconomic characteristics of users are analysed to establish a potential link with user satisfaction with different parameters related to the built environment. The data indicate that while mixed-use complexes are beneficial, satisfaction levels vary significantly among user groups. Key satisfaction drivers include functional layout, environmental comfort, security, accessibility, and management quality. Conversely, dissatisfaction stems from noise, inadequate parking, shared space usage, and residential-commercial conflicts. Factors such as building age, location, and management performance significantly shape user perceptions. The study concludes that when user-centric design and efficient management are prioritised, mixed-use developments become effective tools for sustainable development. Users are generally satisfied with physical layouts and environmental conditions, specifically mobility, air quality, and thermal comfort, though lighting satisfaction remains low due to poor daylight penetration and uneven artificial distribution in deeper plan areas and shared spaces.