Circulation

Circulation

How we move can be used to provide links between spaces of a building or interior and exterior. 

We are constantly moving in time through a sequence of spaces, and we tend to relate where we have been with where we are going. Different paths of circulation effect our perceptions of spaces and forms of a building. 

Approach

Before we enter inside a building we approach it from a path. The length of the path may just be a few steps or an lengthy route. How we confront the building can effect our perceptions of it. Different methods of confrontation may include frontal, oblique, and spiral. Sometimes these paths of approach are carried on into the interior path of movement.

 

A visual representation of approach in the built environment:

Here we see an oblique approach to the house. There are multiple twists and turns prolonging the approach. With this house there is actually more than one path of movement to the entrance.


Entrance
Whether it is another room or a building, entering involves going through a vertical plane that separates one space from another. Various types elements can be used as entrances such as columns, doors, and even changes in elevation. There are three main types of entrances that can be used, these include: flush, projected, or recessed. Quite often the entrance will serve as a preview to what is inside the building. Its location on the building will determine the path of movement inside.

A visual representation of entrance in the built environment:

Here we see a projected entrance off of a house. The two rounded arches help reinforce the grandness of the archway that continues within the interior of the building also. Not only do these the arches help define the entrance area but the step up does also.

Configuration of the Path
Every path has a starting point that then takes us through a variety of steps to our destination. How we get there depends on the flexibility of our mode of transportation. While the human body is pretty flexible to change, a bicycle is not. The importance of a path can usually be determined by its scale. Large paths are usually public and important. Small, narrow paths are usually private and minor. Some types of configurations might include linear, radial, spiral, grid, network, or composite.

 

A visual representation of configuration of path in the built environment:

Here we see a spiral path from one level to the next. With a spiral path we originate from a central point and then revolve around it. This example also helps save space.

Path-Space Relationships
Paths may be related to the spaces they link. Paths may pass by spaces, pass through spaces, or terminate in a space. Each different type of orientation of spaces affects the overall movement of the path.

A visual representation of Path-Space relationships in the built environment:

Here in this example we are passing through multiple spaces. While the path is pretty straight various vertical elements create points of rest and movement.

Form of the Circulation Space

Spaces shouldn't be considered just as functional linking devices. They should accommodate people's needs and movements as they not only walk but as they also rest, pause and take in the space. A circulation space may be enclosed, open on one side, or open on both sides. These variations help define and view other spaces within a building. It is important to keep enough space for circulation to continue easily.

 

A visual representation of Form of the Circulation Space in the built environment:

Here we see a circulation space open on one side the view the area below. This helps provide spacial continuity with the space below despite them being on different levels.