Wachemo University
Department of Architecture
Architectural Basics- Design Studio II
Ins. Nathnael
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Lecture One
Circulation “Movement Through
Space”
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• Contents
> Circulation definition
> Elements
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Circulation definition
• Movements through space is generally called
circulation
• The circulation path is the space that links the other
spaces of a building or any other interior or exterior
spaces
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Elements of Circulation
1. Approach ; The distant view
2. Entrance: From outside to inside
3. Configuration of the Path: The Sequence
of Spaces
4. Path-space Relationships: Edges, Nodes,
and Terminations of the Path
5. Form of the Circulation Space: Corridors,
Halls, Galleries, Stairways and Rooms
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1- The building approach
• The first phase of the circulation system of a
building is the path that we use to approach the
entrance.
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CONT..
• It can be long where we needs long time to
pass, and, in other cases, it can be short where
we need short time to pass.
• If continued into the building, the relationship
between inside and outside will be
strengthened.
• The building approach can be frontal, oblique or
spiral.
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CONT..
A. Frontal approach
• This kind leads directly to the building’s entrance along a
straight axial path.
• It usually terminates with the entrance of the frontal
façade of the building. 8
Examples ;-
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CONT..
B. Oblique approach
• In this case, the effect of the perspective is strong on the
front facade of the building that we aim to arrive.
• The path can be redirected one or more times to delay and
prolong the sequence of the approach.
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Examples ;-
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CONT..
C. Spiral approach
• This kind of paths prolongs the approach to the building
and, at the same time, provide an over whole idea about
the building by moving around it.
• Accordingly, the entrance may be viewed from the front or
it may be hidden until the point of arrival..
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Examples ;-
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2 - Building entrance
• It is the space from which we penetrate from one space to
another.
• Its concept is more than punching a hole in a wall.
• It can be determined by vertical or horizontal elements.
• It can range from a simple hole to an elaborate, articulated
gateway.
• It is preferred to be designed perpendicular to the path of
the approach.
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CONT..
• Entrances can be classified into three groups:
1. Flush entrances - which maintain the continuity of its
plane surface.
2. Projected entrances - which provide shelter, provide an
exterior added space and announce their function to the
approach.
3. Recessed entrances- which also provide shelter and
form. 15
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CONT..
• An entrances can be distinguished according to its location
with respect to the frontal façade:
1. It can be centered within the frontal plane of a building.
2. It can be placed off-center and create its own symmetrical
condition about its opening.
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Internal
and
external entrances
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CONT..
• The location of the entrance, relative to the space entered,
will determine the configuration of the path within the space
and the pattern of the activities within the space.
• Entrances can be reinforced by:
1. Changing the dimensions (lower, wider, narrower)
2. Making the entrance extra-deep or circuitous.
3. Articulating the opening with decorative ornaments.
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CONT..
• The location of the entrance, relative to the space entered,
will determine the configuration of the path within the space
and the pattern of the activities within the space.
• Entrances can be reinforced by:
1. Changing the dimensions (lower, wider, narrower)
2. Making the entrance extra-deep or circuitous.
3. Articulating the opening with decorative ornaments.
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CONT..
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3- Configuration of the path
• The movement path is always linear.
• This means that there is a starting point and an end point.
• Human has much more freedom than vehicles or even than
bicycles in changing direction in his movement path.
• Vehicles need the path to be smooth, but dimensionally
limited.
• Pedestrians, on the other hand, require a greater volume of
space than their bodily dimensions, and greater freedom of
choice along the path. 22
CONT..
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CONT..
• Crossing of the paths is always a point of decision-making
for the person approaching it. Which path?
• Paths can be classified into major and minor paths.
• Sometimes, the nature of a path’s configuration influences
the organizational pattern of the spaces it links. In other
times, the nature of a path’s configuration is influenced by
the organizational pattern of the spaces it links
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CONT..
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CONT..
Configuration of the path can be classified in to Five ;
1- The linear configuration: The straight path is the primary
organizing element for a series of spaces.
2- The radial configuration: different linear paths extend from
a central common point.
3- The spiral configuration: It is a single continues path that
originates from a central point, revolves around it in a spiral
way.
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CONT..
4- The grid configuration: consists of two sets of parallel
paths that intersect at regular intervals creating square or
rectangular spaces.
5- The network configuration: consists of random paths that
connect different points in space.
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Linear
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Radial
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Grid
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4- Path-space relationship
• Paths may be related to the spaces they link in different
ways:.
1. The path pass by spaces:
• The identity of each space is maintained.
• The configuration of the path is flexible.
• Mediating spaces can be used to link the path with the
spaces
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The path pass by spaces:
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CONT..
2. The path pass through spaces:
• The path may pass through a space axially, obliquely, or
along its edge.
• The path will determine the configuration of the space.
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CONT..
3. The paths terminate in a space:
• The location of the space establishes the path.
• The relation is used to approach and enter functionally or
symbolically important spaces.
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CONT..
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5- Form of the circulation
space
• Circulation space forms an integral part of any building
organization.
• Its volume of space can not be ignored anywhere.
• It can behave as functional space, corridor for example,
linking many other spaces.
• Its volume, form and scale must accommodate the
movement of people in addition to their facilities and
services.
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CONT..
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CONT..
The form of a circulation path depends on:
• The definition of its boundaries.
• The relationship with the spaces it links.
• The articulation of its scale, proportion, light and view.
• The opening of the entrances coming into it.
• The changing in levels with stairs and ramps.
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CONT..
• A circulation space can be either enclosed, open on one
side or open on both sides .
• The configuration of a stairway
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THANK YOU !
Circulation
“Movement Through
Space”
Natisamdan@[Link]
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