Typological Analysis of Gated Communities Characteristics in Ibadan, Nigeria

Given the fact that the fear of crime is growing in Ibadan, and the number of gated communities or enclosed neighbourhoods is growing daily, need for an in-depth study of this phenomenon is essential to make available understanding into the architect’s thought procedures, design values and establish a typological dimension of the prevailing enclosed neighbourhood. The aim of the study is to examine the types and characteristics of gated communities in Ibadan, with a view to informing policy on neighbourhood design and gated community development. This study identifies and assesses the types and characteristics of gated communities in Ibadan; this was assessed using field survey through direct observation check and structured questionnaire methods. The result of the typological classification of gated communities through a variety of enclosure in Ibadan shows nine deferent types of gated communities, this include type A (Ornamental gating), type B (Walled subdivisions, type C (Faux-gated entries), type D (Barricaded streets), type E (partially gated roads), type F (Full gated roads), type G (Restricted entry, bounded area), type H (Restricted entry, guarded area), type I (Condominiums). The result of the defensive physical characteristics of the gated communities shows that Old Bodija Scheme has the strongest characteristics with an average index of 3.58 DPC while Agodi GRA appears weakest with an index of 2.63 DPC. The eight typologies, which were identified, gave understanding to the design philosophy of the architects by showing the elements which they manipulated in the design of gated communities. Finally, the paper examined the level of importance of defensive physical characteristics that include Territoriality, Surveillance, Milieu and Image in the development and design of gated communities.