A THESIS PROPOSAL
ON
PROPOSEDROYAL FOX HOTELS AND TOWERS IN ABUJA
(Ensuring User Satisfaction through Aesthetics in the Interior)
BY
ROTIMI OLUWASEUN OLADELE
(ARC/ 01/ 9249)
SUBMITTED TO
THE DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE
SCHOOL OF POST GRADUATE STIUDIES
FEDERALUNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY, AKURE
IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENT FOR THEAWARD OF
MASTERS OF TECHNOLOGY IN ARCHITECTURE
COURSE
ARC 805
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
COURSE LECTURER
PROF. O.OOGUNSOTE
MARCH 2008
ABSTRACT
Accommodation is lodging in a dwelling or living quarters afforded to travelers in hotels or on cruise ships, or prisoners, etc. Resorthotelsusually are located in seaside, lake, or mountain areas, and they cater for tourists. Resorts provide all hotel services plus recreational activities
Hotelsmainlyarecommercialestablishment that provides lodging, food, and other services and facilities to the public. The hotel business is an important industry in many countries across the globe, especially in those attracting a large tourist trade. Hotels can be classified according to location, facilities and services offered, and clientele served.(“Hotel”, n.d.)
The extent of Aestheticsin the spaces as an essential aspect ofensuring user Satisfaction in a Hotel, if achievable or not will be Evaluated in this thesis, it is set to achieve this by putting in place suggestion in the area of identifying basic elements of aesthetics in a hotel environment, considering the strengths and weaknesses of aesthetics in a hotel accommodation space.
The question is if user Satisfaction in a Hotel can be ensured through Aesthetics or not? Off course this has to measured amongst several variables, what makes up the aestheticslevel in the hotel room, if identified are theysufficient enough to be seen as aesthetics. By and large, this thesis seeks to consider the aesthetic value of hotels as a source for user satisfaction.
1
TABLE OF CONTENT
ABSTRACT
TABLE OF CONTENT
CHAPTER ONE
1.0INTRODUCTION
1.1STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
1.2AIM AND OBJECTIVES
1.3HYPOTHESIS
1.4SCOPE OF STUDY
1.5LIMITATION OF STUDY
1.6EXPECTED CONTRIBUTION TO KNOWLEDGE
CHAPTER TWO
2.0LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1HOTEL DEVELOPMENT
2.2HOTEL ACCOMMODATION IN NIGERIA
2.3SOME NIGERIA HOTELS
2.4AESTHETICS
CHAPTER THREE
3.0RESEARCH METHODOLOGY AND CASE STUDY
3.1RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.2CASE STUDY
CHAPTER FOUR
4.0DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
4.1DISCUSSION
CHAPTER FIVE
5.0PROJECT CITY
5.1DESIGN PROPOSAL
CHAPTER SIX
6.0SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION
6.1SUMMARY
6.2CONCLUSION
REFERENCES
BIBLIOGRAPHY
APPENDIX
1
CHAPTER ONE
1.0INTRODUCTION
Tourism is essential for many countries, due to the large intake of funds for businesses with their goods and services and the opportunity for employment in the service industries associated with tourism. These service industries include transportation services such as cruise ships and taxis, accommodation such as hotels and entertainment venues, and other hospitality industry services such as resorts.
A resort is a place used for relaxation or recreation, attracting visitors for holidays or vacations. Resorts are places, towns or sometimes commercial establishment operated by a single company. Such a self-contained resort attempts to provide for most of a vacationer's wants while remaining on the premises, such as food, drink, lodging, sports, entertainment, and shopping. The term "resort" sometimes is misused to identify a hotel that does not provide the other amenities required of a full resort. However, a hotel is frequently a central feature of a resort, such as the Grand Hotel at Mackinac Island, Michigan. A hotel is a commercialestablishment that provides lodging, food, and other services to the public.
Thetransienthotelis usually located within city boundaries and caters for people traveling for business or pleasure. Motels cater for the same group of persons, but are often situated near or along major highways. Both hotels and motels provide numerous amenities in addition to sleeping accommodations, including maid service, radio and television, parking space for automobiles, recreational facilities, food and beverage services, and retail shops.Hotels are essential aspect of a nation’s tourism sector; the need for effective accommodation brings about the pressing need for a five star hotel as a national icon to be sited in the heart of the administrative region of the country.
Abuja is a fast growing zone for administrative activities in the country and receives an influx of visitors and delegates from every part of the world. The need for an international standard five star hotel is paramount and cannot be over emphasized.
1.1STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
They have been incessant use and spread of low standard, poor aesthetical judged accommodation (motels and hotels) within the country, this has not helped beef up the yearning fulfillment of users of hotels. This brought about the need to propose a structure which will provide the best available user satisfactioncriticizing from the aesthetic point of view.
1.2AIM AND OBJECTIVES
The aim of this thesis is to evaluate the extent of Aesthetics,an essential aspect of architectural designin the interior of hotels as in its bid to ensureuser Satisfaction.
The objectives are:
- To identify basic elements of aesthetics in a hotel.
- Working out a common base for judgment since the issue of aesthetic is subjective to various individual.
- Understanding the strengths/ weaknesses and role of aesthetics in accommodation spaces and if it is the only criteria by which satisfaction can be ascertained.
- Evaluating if Aesthetics can help to ensure user Satisfaction in a hotel.
1.3HYPOTHESIS
The following hypothesis will be tested:
- The measure of user satisfaction is seen to be associated with a high customer patronage level of a particular set of user compared with other hotels in the environment.
- User satisfaction is highly dependent on aesthetics value.
1.4SCOPE OF STUDY
This study will be restricted to the evaluation ofaesthetics composition in a large hotel and its effect on the costumers or users of such spaces through proper hotel design and management.
1.5LIMITATION OF STUDY
The limitation that may be encountered in the course of carrying out this work will be highlighted at the end of the research write up.
1.6EXPECTED CONTRIBUTION TO KNOWLEDGE
It is expected that this work will be of assistance to architects, planners, designers and other related professionals who may be involved in aesthetics evaluation in commercial hotel buildings of this magnitude. Also to encourage citizens and foreigners patronize hotels through effective satisfaction achieved by aesthetics.
CHAPTER TWO
2.0LITERATURE REVIEW
This Chapter will serve two purposes in the research report:
(1) Set the theoretical base for the research
(2) Spot the current research into perspective to show the state of the art.
Various books, literature would beread and reviewed to serve as a base for the study. A re-examination of the literature setting of theoretical framework would be handled more logically in connection with the statement of the problem.
The review of related literature would be in an organised form, with appropriate subheadings to indicate the areas of concentration. A topical organisation lends itself to a better analysis of the previous research than does the treating of each study individually, in a chronological order. Information would be found on the subheads listed below:
- Accommodation in the society; its states and impact on the society.
- Causes and control of accommodation problem.
- Types of hotel accommodation.
- Hotels and its origin in Nigeria.
- Services rendered in a hotel.
2.1HOTEL DEVELOPMENT
Innshaveservedtravelers since ancient times. The emergence of the hotel as a significant commercial institution, however, is a development of the past few centuries and may be traced by example in the U.S. The location of hotels has always been related to the transportation available. During colonial times hotels were usually situated in seaport towns, but by the end of the 18th century, when the stagecoach had increased travel within the U.S., many inns and taverns were constructed to offer lodgings along highway routes. After the construction of railroads in the 19th century, larger hotels were built near railroad stations to accommodate railway travelers. Standards of service and comfort rose appreciably and in the larger cities the types of lodging offered by certain hotels became luxurious. The old Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City and the BrownPalace in Denver, Colorado, were among the first such luxury hotels, but their rates were too high for the average traveler. Shortly before World War I large hotels offering many services at prices within the reach of middle-income groups were constructed. The first such institution was the Statler Hotel in Buffalo, New York, which opened in 1908. For years it served as a model for other large-city transient hotels.
Thegeneralprosperity following World War I made travel possible for more people, and the volume of hotel construction increased greatly. Because of the growing importance of business travel, most new hotels were situated near central business areas. During this period the tourist court, the direct antecedent of the motel, was established; most offered only minimal accommodations and no luxuries.(“Hotel”, n.d.)
Inthe1920s,professional schools of hotel management were created to prepare Americans for positions in the industry. Technical schools were also established to train skilled employees such as chefs. Today many colleges and universities offer a degree in hotel administration, and trade schools provide courses in both hotel and restaurant work. European-trained personnel also go to the U.S. to work in the hotel industry, where their skills are welcomed.(“Hotel”, n.d.)
Anothersignificanttrend begun in the 1920s was toward corporate rather than individual ownership of hotels. This was the result of the steadily increasing costs of building and operating hotels. Chain operation in the hotel and motel industry is a continuing trend in the U.S. and abroad. It allows for efficient management through the use of mass purchasing, central reservations and billings, and extensive advertising and promotion campaigns. Today about 30 percent of all American hotels and motels are affiliated with chains or franchised groups.(“Hotel”, n.d.)
DuringWorldWarIIthe hotel business flourished. No new hotels were built, but existing establishments were occupied nearly to capacity at all times. Because of the growing importance of automobile travel soon after World War II, almost all the new hotels built then were located near highways. By the late 1950s motels began to rival hotels by offering a broader range of services and facilities. Motels have increased greatly in number during the last 30 years, and the number of hotels has decreased somewhat. Today the motor hotel, offering the convenience of the motel and the service of the hotel, is becoming popular. More efficient transportation and the growing importance of air travel have reduced the need for accommodations along highways. Motor hotels are now being built within the boundaries of large cities and near airports. To deal with stiffer competition, a growing trend has been for hotels and motels to offer greater conveniences, such as faxing and photocopying for business travelers. Low hotel occupancy rates in the 1970s led to the development of budget motels, with cheaper lodging and fewer amenities. Country inns and bed-and-breakfasts have also grown in popularity since the 1970s; often located in rural areas, they offer a homey atmosphere and personal service.(“Hotel”, n.d.)
2.2HOTEL ACCOMMODATION IN NIGERIA
Nigeria accommodation comprises of Nigeria hotels, Nigeria Resorts, and Nigeria Guest Houses. Hotels, resorts and guest houses are located in all the cities like Aba, Abuja, Benin, Ede, Epe, Kano, Lagos and Port Harcourt. Nigeria accommodation is a varying option for the tourist to Nigeria. Accommodations are available depending upon the budget and location the traveler chooses. (“Nigeria Accommodation”, n.d)
2.3SOME NIGERIA HOTELS
Nigeria hotels can be classified into different groups. Some of the renowned hotels in Nigeria are:
- Abuja Sheraton Hotel – This is a five star hotel located in Ladi Kwali Way, Abuja, Nigeria. It has 540 well appointed rooms, 14 meeting rooms and 5 restaurants and bars.
- ProteaHotelOakwoodPark – A four star hotel located in Chevron Drive, Lagos, Nigeria. The guests can choose from 59 double bedded rooms and 3 suites. The hotel has one 100 seater multi-cuisine restaurant, one bar, and a pool terrace.
- Protea Hotel Port Harcourt Apartment – This five star deluxe hotel with swimming pool and conference facilities is located in Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
- Protea Hotel Apo Apartment – This three star rated hotel has an assortment of accommodation: studio apartment, superior apartment, duplex apartment, superior duplex apartment, deluxe duplex apartment and 4 bedroom apartments. This hotel is located in Apo, Abuja, Nigeria.
2.4AESTHETICS
This is a branchofphilosophy concerned with the essence and perception of beauty and ugliness. Aesthetics also deals with the question of whether such qualities are objectively present in the things they appear to qualify, or whether they exist only in the mind of the individual; hence, whether objects are perceived by a particular mode, the aesthetic mode, or whether instead the objects have, in themselves, special qualities aesthetic qualities. (Danto, 2006)
Criticismandthepsychology of art, although independent disciplines, are related to aesthetics. The psychology of art is concerned with such elements of the arts as human responses to color, sound, line, form, and words and with the ways in which the emotions condition such responses. Criticism confines itself to particular works of art, analyzing their structures, meanings, and problems, comparing them with other works, and evaluating them.(Danto, 2006)
CHAPTER THREE
3.0RESEARCH METHODOLOGYAND CASE STUDY
Research is simply the process of arriving at dependable solutions to problems through the planned and systematic collection, analysis, and interpretation of knowledge, for promoting progress, and for enabling man to relate more effectively to his environment, to accomplish his purpose, and to resolve his conflicts. (Ogunsote, 2008)
This stage includes every step of the research in the order in which it will be carried out. It is the background in which the reader assesses the findings and the conclusions.
3.1RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
The gathering of data from primary and secondary sources such as geographical, historical and sociological items will be done. The data will be collected, collated, analyzed and synthesized to form the basis of thisthesis.
Research methodology could also be simply referred to as the various processes, procedures, methods and instrumentalities by which data are secured, specified, collated, processed and analyzed. The following methods are to be used:
(1) Observation:This involves making direct clarification on Existing situations in different buildings, studies and notes taken of their merits and demerits.
(2) Interview:Person to person interview will be carried out with the users of such existing buildings and experts in the field of such building design.
(3) Literature Review:Relevant text books,published and unpublishedliterature, lecture notes, project report, journals, magazine, the Internet and other books on hotels, aesthetics and user’s satisfaction will be harnessed for the purpose of the research.
(4) Ocular presentation:Pictorial documentation of the case studies will betaken to give first hand information about the existing situations. It is a reliable source of information because it shows the carbon copy of the problems.
(5) Field trip:Appropriate examples of situations will be evaluated.Thorough analysis will alsobe carried out in order to discover the thought process behind the research.
3.2CASE STUDY
Case studies are necessary in other to perceive existing situation, make judgments from them, learn and proffer solutions where necessary in other to improve the proposal. At least 3 (three) case studies will be done so as to a great extent be able to generalize the various situations found.
Places of practically similar standards will be visited. For instance Sheraton hotel, Nicon Hilton and Proteahotelsmay be used as case studies. Questionnaires will be drafted and administered;interviews carried out where necessary, Appraisals, General analysis, Merits and demerits of these places will be drafted and worked on in other to yield a better design proposal.
CHAPTER FOUR
4.0DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
The data gotten from the case study and field survey will be presented in a standard form and analysed using various sampling methods or techniques. Data will be organised in a frequency distribution form and graphically in tables, figures, charts and diagrams.
The data would be presented without prejudice;the tables would be placed as close as possible to the place where the table is first mentioned. Figures, tables, plateswould be so complete that it can be clearly understood without reference to the text.
4.1DISCUSSION
The discussion section is the appropriate place to talk about the implications of the results gotten from the research either on field or through any other stated research means that will be used in the thesis. This section would begin with a statement telling whether the results support the hypothesis. If the results do support the original ideas of the research, the contribution of the findings to knowledgewill be discussed. The relationship between the results and past research and theoryresearcher will be considered.
If the expected resultsare not obtained, possible explanations will be given. The direction that future research might takewould be examined. It may also be possible that the results have practical implications, for example, in this research work if aesthetics is not a factor to be considered for user satisfaction in an hotel then the factors that may be responsible for user satisfaction may be worked on for properadministration of the tourism sector, however if not any practical implications would be pointed out in the discussion.
CHAPTER FIVE
5.0PROJECTCITY
The project will be cited in Abuja the FederalCapitalTerritory in central Nigeriaa major administrative nerve of the country so as to enhance the tourism sector of the fast growing nation’s capital.
5.1DESIGN PROPOSAL
After all necessary research or data being gotten and analyzed a design proposal will be proffered to solve available problems realized during the course of the study. This proposal is the key aspect of a research proposal. It would identify if actually the user satisfaction can be measured through aesthetics, if yes propose an international standard five star hotel in Abuja to imbibe the element that make up aesthetics into the design. And if no propose a standard and functional five star hotel not necessary makig aesthetics a paramount aspect to bring about high patronage.