College of Engineering & Architecture

ARC 204 Theory of Architecture I

Circulation
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1. Approach

Before passing into the interior of a

building, we have to approach its
entrance along a path .This is the first
phase of the circulation system, when
we are preparing to see, experience,
and use the spaces within a building .

The nature of the approach may

contrast with what is confronted at its
termination, or it may be continued on
into the building’s interior sequence of
spaces, obscuring the distinction
between inside and outside.
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There are 3 types of approach: Frontal, Oblique and Spiral approach

1. Frontal Approach:
• Leads directly to the entrance along a straight axial path
• The Visual goal that terminates the approach is clear
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2. Oblique Approach

•Enhances the effect of

perspective on the front façade
& form.
•The path can be redirected one
or more times to delay and
prolong the sequence of the
approach
• If a building is approached at
an extreme angle, its entrance
can be more clearly visible
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3. Spiral Approach

• Prolongs the sequence of the approach

• Emphasizes the three dimensional form of a
building as people moves around its perimeter
• Building entrance might be viewed
intermittently during the approach to clarify
position or may be hidden until the point of
arrival
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2. Entrance
The act of entering can be made
significant in a number of ways not just by
punching a hole in a wall. It can be a
passage can be created through an
implied plane established by two pillars or
an overhead beam. A change in level can
establish a threshold and mark the
passage from one place to another.
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2. Entrance
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A.Types of Entrances
A flush entrance maintains
the continuity of the
surface of a wall and can
be, if desired, deliberately
obscured
A projected A recessed entrance announces
entrance forms a its function to the approach,
transitional space, and provides overhead shelter
and receives a portion of
exterior space into the realm of
the building
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Types of Entrances

A flush entrance maintains Projected entrances Recessed entrances

the continuity of the surface
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Entrances
The form of the entrance can be similar to, and serve as a preview of the form
of the space about to be entered. Or it can contrast with the form of the space
about to be entered to reinforce its boundaries and emphasize its character as a
place,
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B.Types of Entrances based on the entrance location
From a location point of view an entrance can be centred within the frontal
plane of a building, or be placed off-centre to create a condition of local
symmetry about its opening .The location of an entrance relative to the form of
the space being entered will determine the configuration of the path and the
pattern of the activities within the space
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Types of Entrances based on the entrance location :

1. Centred within the frontal plane of a building

Centred entrances
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Types of Entrances based on the entrance location :

2. Off-centre entrances

Off-centre entrances
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How to visually reinforce the entrance ?

The idea of an entrance may be visually reinforced by:
• Making the opening lower, wider, or narrower than anticipated
• Making the entrance deep or circuitous
• Articulating the opening with ornamentation
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How to visually reinforce the entrance ?

Articulating the opening Making the opening

with ornamentation lower, wider, or
narrower than
anticipated

Making the entrance

deep
or circuitous
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3.Configuration of the path
All paths of movement are linear in nature . All paths have a
starting point, after which we are taken through a sequence of
spaces to our destination.

• Persons approaching an intersection or

crossing are always faced with a decision.

• The Continuity and Scale of each path at

the intersection helps us to distinguish
between major routes leading to major
spaces and secondary paths leading to less
important spaces .
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Configuration of the path

• If the paths at a crossing are equal, sufficient space must be provided to

allow people to pause and orient themselves .
• The form and scale of entrances and paths must also convey the
functional and symbolic distinction between public or private places,
and service corridors.
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Configuration of the path

1. Linear: an Organizing element for a series of spaces. It
can be curvilinear or segmented, intersect other paths , have
branches or form a loop.

2. Radial: Linear paths extending from a center or a

common point.

3. Spiral: Single, conscious path originates from a central

point and revolves around it.

4. Grid: Consist of two sets of parallel paths interested at

regular intervals & create square or rectangular fields of
space.

5. Composite: In reality, a building usually employs a

combination of different paths .Important points in any
pattern(nodes ) are centres of activities ( entrances to
rooms and halls , places for vertical circulation ,
stairways/ramps / elevators ).
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4. Space – Path Relationship

1. Pass by Spaces
The integrity of each space is maintained
The configuration of the path is flexible
Mediating spaces can be used to link the
path with the space
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2. PASS THROUGH SPACES

The path may pass through a space axially, obliquely or along its edge
In cutting through a space, the path creates pattern of rest and
movement within it
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3. TERMINATE IN A SPACE
The location of the space establishes the path
This path-space relationship is used to approach and enter, functionally
or symbolically important space
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5. Form of the Circulation space

• Spaces for movement form an integral part of any building
organization and occupy a significant amount of the volume of a
building
• If considered just as functional linking devices
• The form of a circulation space varies according to how Its form
relates to the form of the spaces it links, how its qualities of scale,
proportion, light and view are articulated ; and how It handles
changes in level with stairs and ramps
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Form of the Circulation space

Enclosed Open on one Side Open on both Sides

Private corridor that Balcony or gallery Colonnaded passageways
relates to the spaces it provides visual & spatial becomes a physical
links through entrances continuity with the extension of the space it
in wall plane spaces it links passes through
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Enclosed Open on one Side Open on both Sides

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Form of the Circulation space
The width and height of a
circulation space should be
proportionate with the type and
amount of movement it must
handle.

A narrow, enclosed path naturally

encourages forward motion.
To accommodate more traffic as
well as to create spaces for
resting, or viewing, sections of a
path can be widened.
The path can also be enlarged by
merging with the spaces it passes
through
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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
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Stairs : provide for our vertical movement between the levels of a

building or outdoor space.
Stairs in accommodating a change in level, can reinforce the path of
movement, interrupt it, accommodate a change in its course, or
terminate it prior to entering a major space
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Types of Stairs

Spiral Stairs Straight Stairs

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Types of Stairs

U- shape Stairs L- shape Stairs