Wachemo University

Department of Architecture

Architectural Basics- Design Studio II

Ins. Nathnael
1
Lecture One

Circulation “Movement Through

Space”

2
• Contents

> Circulation definition

> Elements

3
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

4
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
5
1- The building approach

• The first phase of the circulation system of a

building is the path that we use to approach the
entrance.
6
 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.
7
 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 ;-

9
 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.
10
Examples ;-

11
 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..
12
Examples ;-

13
 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.
14
 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
16
 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.

17
Internal
and
external entrances

18
 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.

19
 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.

20
CONT..

21
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..

23
 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

24
CONT..

25
 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.
26
 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.

27
Linear

28
Radial

29
Grid

30
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

31
The path pass by spaces:

32
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.

33
 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.

34
CONT..

35
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.
36
CONT..

37
 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.

38
 CONT..

• A circulation space can be either enclosed, open on one

side or open on both sides .

• The configuration of a stairway

39
 THANK YOU !
Circulation
“Movement Through
Space”

Natisamdan@gmail.com
40