Market Architectural Patterns and the Challenges of Market Infrastructure in Port Harcourt Metropolis

The study focused on market architecture and problems encountered in market design with reference to Port Harcourt Metropolis in Rivers State. Descriptive survey research design was employed for the study. Two research questions were used to guide the study. The population for the study consisted of traders and users of markets located in Port Harcourt metropolis. Four hundred (400) respondents served as the sample size for the study. They were drawn randomly through the use of stratified random sampling technique. A validated structured questionnaire having a reliability coefficient of 0.76 determined through PPMC was used to elicit information from the respondents. Mean and standard deviation of descriptive statistics was used to analyze data obtained from the respondents. The study revealed among others that markets buildings have several entrances/exits, also markets building provide ventilation and average natural lighting respectively. However, problems encountered were cost of space which is high, accessibility of market centers by customers is low and visibility of goods displayed is low which may cause increased informal/ roadside trading. The study concluded that market architecture serves functions e.g. social functions for traders/customers and allow architectural structures to build up through space design but with little regards to planning layout and cost implication of space needed for traders making it less efficient and unfriendly to poor traders. It was recommended among others that market centers should be redesigned and planners should consider visibility and accessibility when making their layout design also cheapened centers should be made available for traders.