ORIENTATION

A building's orientation refers to the process of determining the direction it will face. For reasons of
aesthetics, drainage, and street appeal, a building's orientation is crucial. energy use, which is most
crucial. Orientation of building is to design building in such a way as it receives maximum Ventilation and
natural light in all climatic conditions

Here are some key aspects of circulation in architecture:

 Passive Design: A building's orientation in relation to the course of the sun is one of its most
important characteristics. Depending on seasonal and climatic changes, proper solar orientation
can increase or decrease solar exposure. Better thermal comfort and energy savings may come
from this.
 Security and Privacy: A building's orientation may affect its privacy and security. Entrances,
windows, and setbacks can be strategically placed to improve privacy and safety.
 Disaster Mitigation and Resilience: Building orientation can be taken into account to lessen a
building's susceptibility to natural catastrophes like hurricanes, earthquakes, or flooding.

To orient a floor plan for energy efficiency, it is important to place the most frequently used rooms on
the south side of the building and the least frequently used rooms on the north side. This will help to
maximize solar heating in the winter and minimize solar heat gain in the summer. It is also important to
install windows on opposite sides of the building to maximize natural ventilation and airflow.

Factors Affecting Building Orientation

1.Solar Radiation and Temperature The intensity of solar radiation depends on the direction of sunrays.
The temperature of a structure and living space increases due to sun radiation affects environment of
the house. Solar radiation acts in two ways.

• Sunrays directly come to the house through openings.

2. Clouds and Rains Clouds and rains have comparatively less importance in orientation of building. The
areas with low clouds cover sky largely and determine the effect of both incoming solar radiation and
outgoing terrestrial radiation. Glazing and opening should be designed keeping in view the direction of
rain, beating the building because the direction of rain is generally same as that of prevailing wind
expect in case of storms. If due to architectural view glazing is provided, it should be covered by proper
sunshade etc. The walls of lesser thickness should not be designed in the direction of heavy rains.

3. Humidity It depends on weather condition of the area and has little role in orientation of building. The
movement of air and use of prevailing wind are very important during periods of high humidity.
Humidity can be classified into four categories
• Very dry

• Dry

• Humid

• Very humid

When humidity is low, dry or very dry, it is easy to take advantage of evaporative cooling in summer.
When it is humid or very humid it is desirable to regulate the rate of air movement either artificially with
aid of electric fan or with help of prevailing winds.

4. Humidity Design Consideration The comfort in relation to humidity becomes complex. In humid
environment there is very warm feeling when there is no breeze and air temperature is 30 0C. On the
other hand if humidity is low, one may feel cool even if the temperature rises up to 32 0C with little
breeze. It will be cooler at the same temperature if there is reduction in relative humidity. And if there is
breeze in high humidity area, the building should be designed in such a way as it has more natural air
and ventilation.

5. Prevailing Winds Prevailing winds help create natural ventilation in a building and give more comfort
during high humidity. During orientation of a building and designing doors and windows openings, the
direction of wind flow should be considered. Fix windows and ventilators at proper location in building
to provide maximum air and light. The height of windows has much concern about ventilation.
Maximum air and ventilation can be obtained if the level of opening is at the level of occupancy

REFERENCE:

Massing and building orientation - East Carolina University. (n.d.).

CIRCULATION
Circulation in architecture is the movement of people and goods through a building or space. It is an
important consideration in design, as it can affect the efficiency, functionality, and comfort of a building.

In circulation, direction and use are often critical to a building layout.

• Direction

There are two main types of direction in architecture:

Horizontal circulation: This is the movement of people and goods from one space to another on the
same level. Examples of horizontal circulation include hallways, corridors, and bridges.

Vertical circulation: This is the movement of people and goods from one level to another. Examples of
vertical circulation include stairs, elevators, and escalators.

• Use

Public circulation – it is the areas of the building which are most widely and easily accessible. In this
guise, circulation is often overlapped with other functions, such as a lobby, atrium, or gallery, and is
enhanced to a high level of architectural quality. Issues of visibility, how crowds move, and clear escape
paths are key.

Private circulation – it accounts for the more intimate movements within the building, or the more ugly
ones which require a degree of privacy. In a house this might be the back door, in a large building the
back of house, staff offices or storage zones.

Architects must carefully consider the following factors when designing circulation:

Traffic flow: The circulation system should be designed to accommodate the expected traffic flow. This
includes considering the number of people and goods that will be using the system, as well as the types
of activities that will be taking place in the building.

Accessibility: The circulation system should be accessible to all users, including people with disabilities.
This means providing ramps, elevators, and other accessible features as needed.

Safety: The circulation system should be designed to be safe for users. This means avoiding hazards such
as tripping hazards and narrow passageways.

Security :The circulation system should be designed to be secure. This may involve using access control
systems, security cameras, and other security features.

Examples of circulation in architecture:

The hallway: A hallway is a horizontal circulation space that connects different rooms on the same level.
Hallways are typically wide enough to allow for two-way traffic.

The staircase: A staircase is a vertical circulation space that connects different levels of a building. Stairs
are typically made up of a series of steps that are connected by risers and treads.

The elevator: An elevator is a vertical circulation device that lifts people and goods from one level to
another. Elevators are typically found in tall buildings and other structures where stairs would be
impractical.

The escalator: An escalator is a moving staircase that transports people from one level to another.
Escalators are typically found in shopping malls, airports, and other public places.

References:

http://www.gharexpert.com/tips/articles/Construction/2009/Layout-House-Plans-2009-Orientation-
Building_0

http://portico.space/journal//architectural-concepts-circulation
https://www.mountainliving.com/optimizing-vertical-circulation/#:~:text=Vertical%20circulation%2C
%20as%20applied%20in,vertical%20circulation%20refers%20to%20staircases.

https://astoundinginteriors.co.uk/how-does-circulation-effect-design/#:~:text=If%20circulation%20is
%20described%20as,move%20between%20the%20various%20floors.