La CIRCULATION

   Building approach:

When coming in contact with an interior of a building, the first step is to approach it. It is the first phase of the circulation system. We follow a path that will lead us to our destination. For a short period of time, we can see the space from the outside, thus anticipate what we are about to experience. This path can be of numerous form or length, and the experience will vary depending on its nature.

For example, prior to enter this house, we have to go up some stairs. This makes the viewer to get a progressive discovery of what the overall building looks like.

    

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   Building entrance:

The second phase of the circulation system is to physically penetrate the space. A very basic definition of entering a building or other defined field of space would be going through a vertical plane that is here to separate one space from another. Through this action we will experience the transition between ‘here’ and ‘there’. This action can also be signified in more subtle ways.

For example, this firm has thought of a very unusual way to attract the attention. The entrance becomes the focal point – it is receded into the space and looks as if it was carved into the building, and that flashy color that makes it stand out more than ever.

    

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  Configuration of the path:

Who says path says movement. All paths have a starting point, from which we are guided through a sequence of spaces, all the way to a destination. Throughout this path we will experience different obstacles. This varies depending on our mode of transportation - walking paths will differ widely from roads that are made for driving.

Here we have a path that has been designed for a school’s outside area. It conveys circulation and gives student the opportunity to rest at the same time.

    

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  Path-space relationship:

A path is related to the spaces it is linked to. This relation can somehow varies, and depending on its nature, it will influence our experience while going through that path.

In this example, the location of the space establishes the path. The space-path relationship is used to approach and enter in a very significant way, thus, meant for significant spaces.

        

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   Form of the circulating space:

Spaces for movement are the most important part of a building’s organization. Our orientation within the space gives us an understanding of its spatial layout. However, we have to make them more than just functional linking devices. Its form and scale should be representative of the buildings concept, thus accommodating the people as they circulate.

In this library, the circulating path is mimicked through the bookcases. Those steps give us the ability to circulate but also become seats for us to relax.