In architecture, circulation refers to the way people move through and interact with a building.

In public
buildings, circulation is of high importance; Structures such as elevators, escalators, and staircases are often
referred to as circulation elements, as they are positioned and designed to optimize the flow of people
through a building, sometimes through the use of a core.

In particular, circulation routes are the pathways people take through and around buildings or urban places.
Circulation is often thought of as the ‘space between the spaces’, having a connective function, but it can be
much more than that. It is the concept that captures the experience of moving our bodies around a building,
three-dimensionally and through time.

The size of circulation spaces may be determined by factors such as; the type of use, the numbers of people
using them, the direction of travel, crossing flows and so on. In complex buildings such as hospitals or
transport exchanges, signage or other forms of wayfinding may be necessary to help people navigate
circulation spaces.