THEORY OF ARCHITECTURE 1 Approaches in Circulation

Elements of Circulation
By: Archt. Chris Luna, uap 1. The building approach
 Frontal
Definition

Circulation – movement through space

 Can be conceived as the perceptual thread
that links the exterior/interior spaces of a
structure

Gateways and Portals  Oblique

 Traditionally been means of orienting us to
the path beyond and welcoming entry

 Spiral

Circulation Elements

1. The building approach

 The distant view
2. The building entrance
 From outside to inside
3. Configuration of the path (major and
minor axis)
 The sequence of spaces
4. Path-space relationships
 Edges, nodes and terminations of paths
5. Form of the circulation space 2. The building entrance
 Corridors, halls, galleries, stairways and  From outside to inside
rooms  Implied (change of level)

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  Real (pillars, gateway)  Articulated

 Entrance
 Flush, Projected, Recessed

3. Configuration of the path (major and

minor axis)
 Linear-
 straight or curvilinear,

 Emphasized, Circuitous

 segmented (intersected, have

branches)

 Centered, placed off-center

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  looped  Network (random paths that connect
established points)

 Radial  Composite (combination of the above)

 Spiral (stairs, ramps)

4. Path-space relationships
 Pass by spaces

 Grid

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  Path through spaces
 Terminate in a space
5. Form of the circulation space
 Exterior (promenade, malls)
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 Interior (Corridors, balconies, galleries,
stairs, rooms)
 Enclosed, open on one side, open on
both sides
Topic Reference:
 Architecture Form, Space And Order by
Francis D.K. Ching, John, Witley & Sons,
2007.
 Architectural Graphics Standards, CD
Rom, 2004.
 Concept Sourcebook by Edward White.
 Architectural Design by E. Pickering
 Prepared by: Arch. Norma Alarcon and
Arch. Willa R. Solomon