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Circulation

Pamela Williams
Feb 13, 2015
3 min read

Approach: The building approach is the pathway to a building and is seen from a distant view. It can be frontal, oblique or spiral. In a frontal approach, a person is lead straight to the entrance of a building and the type of frontal approach can help to welcome or guard against entry. Oblique approaches can have paths that are redirected and create a perspective effect. Lastly, a spiral view is one that can be hidden and emphasize the volume of the building.

In the photograph below, the kitchen sink can be accessed through two different approaches. These pathways are an example of the oblique approach because they create a perspective.

Home Modish, Photo by Jessica Alba

Entrance: The entrance of a building is defined as the space that penetrates a plane that separates one space from another. An entrance can be flush with the plane, recessed or projected. The entrance can also be created by the emergence of an entryway on an implied plane.

The example below shows a recessed entry where the door is depressed on the frontal plane.

Photo by Fabian Cifuentes

Configuration of the Path: All paths of movement are linear and the way that these paths intersect and relate is determined by the purpose of each path. The configuration of linear paths can be radial, spiral, grid, network or a combination of all of the aforementioned. These configurations are formed to influence the organization of the spaces that are linked by the path.

The spiral configuration path in the photograph below is revolving around a central point and begins to get smaller as it ascends to the ceiling plane.

Greater London Authority, Photo by Sharon Hearne

Path-Space Relationships: Path-space relationships are important in the circulation of a space because they emphasize the importance of the spaces they connect. A path can pass by spaces, pass through spaces or terminate in a space. When a path passes by a number of spaces, each space maintains its individual integrity. Paths that pass through a space create movement while those that are terminated in a space to show the importance or symbolism of a space.

The example below demonstrates a path that passes through a space and also terminates within the space.

A-One Bangkok Boutique Hotel, Rajig Designs

Form of the Circulation of Space: The forms of circulation of space define boundaries; articulate qualities of scale, view and proportion; organize spaces and the entrances that open onto it; and creates access to different levels with stairs and ramps. A circulation space can be enclosed, such as in a private area; open on one side, similar to a balcony or patio; or open on both sides to connects spaces. Furthermore, stairs and ramps provide a vertical circulation of space and must be built to fit specific purposes. For example, a very wide stairway can convey that the pathway is open or public while a narrow stairway can detach a space and imply privacy. The configuration of stairways and ramps include straight-run, L-shaped, U-shaped, circular and spiral. Stairways can also run along planes or occupy the volume of a space.

The straight-run stairway in the example below shows how there is vertical circulation from the lower level space to the upper level. It’s also narrow and implies that the upper level space is private and not for public use.