BSA 3113 PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN

Primary Elements

Form

Form & Space

Organization

BSA 3113 PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN Circulation

CIRCULATION Proportion & Scale

Principles

Circulation Elements

Approach

Entrance

Configuration of the Path

Path-Space Relationship

Form of the Circulation Space

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Approach
The Distant View
Circulation
Entrance
Circulation refers to the path people move through and From Outside to Inside

interact spaces within a building

Configuration of the Path
The perceptual thread that links the spaces of a building, or The Sequence of Spaces
any series of interior or exterior spaces

People experience a space in relation to where weve been Path-Space Relationship

Edges, Nodes and Terminations of Path
and where we anticipate going

Form of the Circulation Space

Corridors, Halls, Galleries, Stairways, etc

1. Approach Approach

The first phase of the circulation system,

During which we are prepared to see, experience, and use the spaces within a
building.

Three types - frontal, oblique, spiral

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Approach Approach

Frontal Oblique Spiral

- Leads directly to the - Enhance the effect of - Emphasize the 3d form as
entrance along a straight, perspective on building we move around its
axial path form perimeter

- The visual terminates by - May be redirect several - Prolong the sequence of

the entire front faade or times, delay/prolong the the approach
an elaborated entrance sequence of the
approach - The entry may be hidden Leads directly to the entrance along a straight, axial path
until the point of arrival

Approach Approach

Portals and gateways have traditionally been means welcoming entry and The visual terminates by the entire front faade or an elaborated entrance
orienting the visitors to the path beyond.

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Approach Approach

Enhance the effect of perspective on building form

May be redirect several times, delay/prolong the sequence of the approach

Approach Approach

Emphasize the 3d form as we move around its perimeter

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Approach Approach

The entry may be hidden until the point of arrival

2. Entrance Entrance

- The act of penetrating a vertical plane that distinguishes one space from
another

- This act of entering can be

- Opening in the plane of a wall
- Implied plane established by two pillars or an overhead beam The form of the openings can range from a simple hole in the wall to an
- Even a change in level - greater visual and spatial continuity elaborate, articulated gateway

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Entrance Entrance
Entrances can be groped as following;

- Flush entrance - maintains the continuity of the surface

of a wall and can be, if desired, deliberately obscured

The entrance is best signified by establishing a plane perpendicular to the path

of approach - Projected entrance - forms a transitional space, and
provides overhead shelter

- Recessed entrance - also provides shelter and

receives a portion of exterior space into the realm of the
The form of the entrance can be similar, as a preview of the form of the space building
about to be entered
Or it can contrast to reinforce its boundaries and emphasize its character

Entrance Entrance

Location of Entrance;

- Can be centered, or be placed off-center within the frontal plane to

create a condition of local symmetry about its opening

- The location of an entrance will determine the configuration of the path

and the pattern of the activities within the space

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Entrance Entrance

Flush entrance - maintains the continuity of Recessed - provides shelter and receives a portion of exterior space
the surface of a wall, with elaborated, into the realm of the building
articulated gateway

3. Configuration of the Path Configuration of the Path

- All paths of movement are linear in nature

- All paths have a starting point, from which we are taken through a sequence of
spaces to our destination

- Pedestrians are free to turn, pause, stop and rest at will

- Wheeled vehicles; a bicycle has less freedom, a car even less, in changing pace and
direction abruptly

- Interestingly whilst wheeled vehicles may require a path with smooth contours,
The contour of a path depends on our mode of transportation reflecting turning radiuss, the width of the path can be designed tightly to its
dimensions, pedestrians need a greater volume of space and greater freedom of
choice along a path

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Configuration of the Path Configuration of the Path

- The intersection / crossing paths is always a point of decision making

- The form, continuity and scale of each path distinguish them between major routes
and secondary paths, or convey functional and symbolic distinction between public 1. Linear
promenades, private halls, and service corridors
2. Radial
- If the paths at a crossing are equal, sufficient space must be provided to allow people 3. Spiral
to pause and orient themselves
4. Grid
5. Network

6. Composite

major routes leading to major spaces and secondary paths leading to less important spaces

Configuration of the Path Configuration of the Path

i. Linear i. Linear

- All paths are linear

- A Straight path, can be the primary organizing element for a series of spaces
- Also it can be curvilinear or segmental, intersect other paths, have branches or
form a loop

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Configuration of the Path Configuration of the Path
i. Linear ii. Radial

A Radial configuration has linear paths

extending from or terminating at a central,
common point

Configuration of the Path Configuration of the Path

ii. Radial ii. Radial

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Configuration of the Path Configuration of the Path
iii. Spiral iii. Spiral

Museum of Endless Growth, Algeria, Le Carbusier

A Spiral configuration is a single, continuous path that originates The Spiral Walk, The Vatican Museum, Rome, Italy

from a central point, revolves around it and becomes increasingly

distant from it

Configuration of the Path Configuration of the Path

iii. Spiral iv. Grid

A Grid configuration consists of two sets of parallel paths that intersect at

regular intervals and create square or rectangular fields of space
SolomonR.GuggenheimMuseum,NY,FrankL.W

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Configuration of the Path Configuration of the Path
v. Network vi. Composite

- A Network configuration
consists of paths that connect
established points in space

- Nodes
- centers of activity,
- entrances to rooms and halls - A combination of the different type of paths
- vertical circulation; stairways/ramps and elevators - A hierarchical order among the paths and nodes should be
- These nodes provide opportunities for pause, rest and reorientation established by differentiating their scale, form, length and placement

4. Path-Space Relationship Path-Space Relationship

Pass by Spaces
- The integrity of each space is
maintained
- The configuration is flexible
- Mediating spaces can be used to
link the path with the spaces

Pass through Spaces

- Pass through spaces axially,
obliquely or along its edge
along its edge - Creates pattern of rest and
axially movement within it
obliquely

Terminate in a Space
- The location of the space
establishes the path
- approach and enter, functionally
or symbolically important spaces

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Path-Space Relationship Path-Space Relationship

Path-Space Relationship 5. Form of the Circulation Space

- Spaces for movement is an

integral part of a building, and
occupy a significant amount of
the volume of a building

- If considered just as functional

linking devices, then
circulation paths would be just
corridor-like spaces

- however, it should
accommodate the movement
of people as they walk, pause,
rest, or take in a view along a
path

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Form of the Circulation Space Form of the Circulation Space

The form of a circulation space varies according to how:

Its form relates to the form of the spaces it links
Its qualities of scale, proportion, light and view are articulated
Entrances open onto it
Enclosed
It handles changes in level with stairs and ramps
- Forming a private corridor
or public galleria that
relates to the spaces it
links
Open on One Side Open on Both Sides
- Forming a balcony or - Forming a passageway
gallery that provides that becomes a physical
visual and spatial extension of the spaces it
continuity with the spaces passes through
it links

Form of the Circulation Space Form of the Circulation Space

- The width and height of a circulation space should be proportionate
with the function and amount of movement it must handle
- A distinction in scale should be established between a service corridor, a
private hall, and a public promenade
- A narrow, enclosed path naturally encourages forward motion
- To accommodate more traffic, and create spaces for pausing, resting,
or viewing - a path can be widened
- The path can also be enlarged by merging with the spaces it passes
through

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Form of the Circulation Space Form of the Circulation Space

- Within a large space, a path can be random, without form or definition,

and be determined by the activities and arrangement of furnishings
within the space

- Enclosed - Forming a private corridor that relates to the spaces it links

- A narrow, enclosed path naturally encourages forward motion

Form of the Circulation Space Form of the Circulation Space

Eastern State Penitentiary

- Enclosed - Forming a private corridor that relates to the

spaces it links Open on One side - Forming a balcony or gallery that provides visual and
- The width and height should be proportionate with the spatial continuity with the spaces it links
function and amount of movement it must handle

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Form of the Circulation Space Form of the Circulation Space

- Open on Both Sides - Forming a passageway

that becomes a physical extension of the
spaces it passes through

- A large space, a path can be random, A path can be widened and merge with other
determined by the arrangement of furnishings
spaces - for pausing, resting, or viewing
within the space

Form of the Circulation Space Form of the Circulation Space

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