THE0RY OF DESIGN
([Link] – Calicut University 2017)
MODULE III - CIRCULATION
• Movement with reference to the architectural form and space –
detailed study of relationship between architectural form and
circulation
• Types of circulation – Building approach and entrance - Configuration
of path- Path space relationship, orientation.
UNIT-3_CIRCULATION-PART-1
Circulation- Movement through Space.
Approach- The Distant View
Entrance- From Outside to Inside
Configuration of Space- The Sequences of Space
Path-Space Relationships- Edges, Nodes, &Terminations
of the path
Form of the Circulation Space- Corridors, Halls,
Galleries, Stairways & Rooms.
Approach- The Distant View
First phase of Circulation system, during
which we are prepared to see, Experience
& use the spaces within.
Make your path more legible in visual ways.
May vary in duration- compressed space to
lengthy & circuitous routes.
Nature of approach contrasts in its
termination to an interior.
Portals & Gateways - Orient us to path &
welcomes Entry
Types of Approach
2. Oblique 3. Spiral
1. Frontal
Path re-
Curved path
• Axial Path
directed 1 or Entrance may
• Approach is
more times. or may not be
clear. visible until
• Entire front
Approached at
the point of
facade or an extreme
arrival.
entrance angle.
Enhances
Emphasizes
within it is
the 3D form
made clear. effect of
perspective . as the bldg is
approached.
Qian men, China.
FRONTAL APPROACH
Oblique
Glass House, Philip Johnson
Spiral: Falling water ,Pennysylvania by [Link]
Entrance- Exterior to Interior
2. Projected 3. Recessed
1. Flush
• Maintains
Transitional Also provides
continuity space, announces shelter but
along with function, uses a portion
the wall. provides head- of interior
shelter. space.
Flushed entrance - John F
Kennedy memorial , Philip Venturi house
Johnson Pennsylvania, USA
PROJECTED
RECESSED
Mill owners association building National Gallery of Art, Washington .I.
Ahemedabad , lecorbusier M. Pei
Configuration of space- Sequence of spaces
1. Linear
• Straight path, primary 4. Grid
organizing element. Curvilinear 2 sets of parallel
or segmented, have branches or paths that intersect
form a loop. at regular intervals
2. Radial & create square or
• Linear path extending from or rectangular fields.
terminating at a central 5. Network
common point. Paths that connect
3. Spiral established paths.
• Single, continuous path
originates from a central point, 6. Composite
revolves around it & becomes Building employs
increasingly distant from it. combination of all
the above.
LINEAR SEQUENCE OF SPACES
RADIAL SEQUENCE OF SPACES
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3. Spiral path - Great Salt Lake. Q
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[Link] Path: City of Chandigarh
[Link] : Paris
6. Composite path- Erbila
Path – space relationships, Edges, Nodes
& Termination of path
1. Pass by Spaces:
Integrity of each space maintained.
Configuration of path is flexible.
Mediating spaces used to link path with spaces.
2. Pass Through Spaces:
May pass through Axially, Obliquely or along its edge.
Cutting through the space creates patterns of rest &
movement within it.
3. Terminate in a Space:
Location of the space establishes the path.
Used for functionally or symbolically important spaces.
1. Pass by Spaces:
2. Pass Through Spaces:
3. Terminate in a
Space:
Form of circulation Space-
Corridors, Halls, Galleries, Stairways & rooms.
Form of circulation space
• Spaces of movement- varies according to:
occupies a significant Its boundaries.
amount of volume of a Its form relates to the
building. form of the spaces it
• Form & scale of links.
circulation space should Its qualities of scale,
accommodate movement proportion, light & view
of people as they are articulated.
promenade, pause, rest, or Entrances open into it
take in a view along a
path.
It handles changes in level
with stairs & ramps.
Various types:
1. Closed:
Public galleria or private corridor that relates to the
spaces it links through entrances in wall plane.
2. Open on one Side:
Balcony or gallery provides visual & spatial continuity
with the spaces it links.
3. Open on both Sides:
Colonnaded passageways becomes a physical extension of
the space it passes through.
Width & Height should be proportionate- shows the
difference in public promenade, private hall & service
corridor
Narrow spaces can be enlarged by merging with spaces it
passes through.
In large space, path can be random. They can be
determined by activities & arrangements of furnishings
within the space.
Closed on both sides
Closed on both sides
Open on one side Closed on both sides
CORRIDOR OPEN ON BOTH SIDES
Stairways
• Provide vertical movement b/w levels of building or
outdoor space.
• Means of vertical transport.
• Traversing up-privacy, aloofness or detachment
• Going down-secure, protected or stable ground.
• Landings-Rest, change in direction, access & outlook
form stairway.
• Pitch & location of landings determine movement of
the user.
Grand Staircase, Paris opera house
PARTS OF A STAIR
Stairways
1. Straight-run Stair
2. L-Shaped Stair
3. U-Shaped Stair
4. Circular Stair
5. Spiral Stair
1. Straight-run Stair
2. L-Shaped Stair
3. U-Shaped Stair
4. Circular Stair
5. Spiral Stair
Helical Stairs
Circulation Diagram
• Derived from the Bubble Diagram.
• Related - Design process.
• Variation-Usage of Space by different
Categories of users
CIRCULATION DIAGRAM FOR A RESIDENCE
CIRCULATION DIAGRAM FOR AN INSTITUTIONAL CAMPUS
VERTICAL CIRCULATION IN BUILDINGS