08 VERTICAL

CIRCULATION
Contents

• What is Vertical circulation

• Need of Vertical circulation
• Need for studying Vertical Circulation
• The types of vertical Circulation elements
- Manual - Mechanical

• The Character of Vertical Circulation elements.

Circulation spaces as connectors

 No functional space exists in isolation

 All spaces in a spatial organization need to be connected
 Spaces will be either directly or indirectly connected
• Through a door

• Through a corridor, lobby, passage etc.

 Such spaces have their own unique character

What is vertical circulation?

Vertical circulation can be seen as the

system by which men and material can
be transferred or moved from one
horizontal plane to another.
Historical context of vertical circulation

• Man has always put the Gods and the Lords on a pedestal
and needed vertical movement to reach the higher plane.
Apart from that there are various situations in which vertical circulation is required .
These are used wherever
there is a change of level or
different floors have to be
accessed.

Safety and convenience are

the two major issues of
consideration in the selection
and placement of the
elements.

Elements to be selected
based on volume of traffic
and kind of usage.
 The Need of Vertical Circulation

• Vertical Circulation becomes necessary because:

– There is the human desire to put some things on a pedestal

• Building temples on hill tops suggests this desire

– Scarcity of land whence space needs to be utilized in multiple planes

– Man wishes to show his power

• Indicated by the desire to build the tallest building
Man wishes to build higher and higher to display his economic and
technological power.
Need for studying Vertical Circulation
• Vertical circulation forms an essential part of most spatial
organizations.
– In some situations like high-rise buildings it forms a crucial part of the
organization.
• This needs to be resolved for effective utilization of space.
• There is the need to appreciate the aesthetic content of these
systems besides their functional importance.
The types of vertical Circulation elements
• Manual
– Staircases
– Ramps
The types of vertical Circulation elements
• Mechanical
– Elevators
– Escalators
The Nature of Vertical Circulation elements

• Moving upward against gravity

– Need for comfort conditions

• Moving downward with gravity

– Need for incorporating safety

• Changing planes
– Chances of falling
– Need for incorporating safety
The Character of Vertical Circulation elements.
Staircases
• Staggered, elevated horizontal strips
• Energy required for climbing
• A set of steps is called a flight
• Normally 14 steps given in a flight
• Horizontal walking space required after a flight
• Horizontal portion is called the tread
• Vertical between two treads is called a riser
• Handrail supported on balusters called the
balustrade is required for
– Protection from falling and
– Giving additional support for climbing
Different kinds of railings and stairs.
The Character of Vertical Circulation elements - Ramps

• Horizontal circulation
element tilted at an angle
• Can accommodate a large
number of people so used for
crowded places like cinema
halls etc.
• Suitable for wheel chairs,
stretchers etc. so useful in
hospitals
• Should not have slippery
surface
• Requires guard rails at sides
for both protection and
additional support
The Character of Vertical Circulation elements - Escalators

• Moving staircases
• Mechanized so no energy used
• Normally come in pairs
• Connect two large spaces
• Can carry a large volume of movement
• Requires constant maintenance
• Can be scary when connecting various
subterranean levels
– Environmental and safety additions required
The Character of Vertical Circulation elements - Elevators

• A moving cage in a well

• Counterbalance used
• Motorized movement
• No human energy consumed
• Are now microprocessor controlled
• Require maintenance
• A group of elevators is called a bank
The spatial requirements of different vertical circulation elements

• Staircase
– Compact, least space as a spiral, normally a U form

• Ramp
– Bulky, consumes large space, can be used as a sculpture externally

• Elevator
– Uses least space, can be used externally, requires a waiting space

• Escalator
– Usually between two large spaces, usually in an atrium, permits a changing view
The design constraints in selecting vertical circulation modes
• Volume of traffic
• Space available
• Usage pattern
– Wheeled movement requirement

• Height to be reached
– Above 4 floors elevators are necessary
– Escalators work only between two floors but
can be placed one above another

• Convenience required
The physical and metaphysical qualities of vertical circulation
elements -

• Besides being physically safe it must look safe.

• The change from horizontal to vertical should be suggested in the
third dimension.
The placement and positioning of Vertical circulation elements
• In line of movement
– At the most at right angles but not reverse

• As effective connectors
• Safety
• Convenience
• Use of element as sculpture
Vertical circulation as a connecting system.

• Vertical circulation will be

between two horizontal
circulations
• There will be horizontal
circulation system preceding
and succeeding a vertical
circulation system.
Conclusions.

• These fall between two horizontal systems but need to be

differentiated.
• Safety is a major considerations.
• Convenience in the manual systems must be worked out effectively.
• Location must suit all floors.
• Forms need to be exploited.
Thank You…..
ASSIGNMENT :

• Discuss the spatial requirements of different types of manual and mechanical

vertical circulation elements

• Vertical circulation as an important element of architectural design is the outcome of

the fast changing world. Discuss.