BSA 3113 PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN
Primary Elements
Form
Form & Space
Organization
BSA 3113 PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN Circulation
CIRCULATION Proportion & Scale
Principles
Circulation Elements
Approach
Entrance
Configuration of the Path
Path-Space Relationship
Form of the Circulation Space
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Approach
The Distant View
Circulation
Entrance
Circulation refers to the path people move through and From Outside to Inside
interact spaces within a building
Configuration of the Path
The perceptual thread that links the spaces of a building, or The Sequence of Spaces
any series of interior or exterior spaces
People experience a space in relation to where weve been Path-Space Relationship
Edges, Nodes and Terminations of Path
and where we anticipate going
Form of the Circulation Space
Corridors, Halls, Galleries, Stairways, etc
1. Approach Approach
The first phase of the circulation system,
During which we are prepared to see, experience, and use the spaces within a
building.
Three types - frontal, oblique, spiral
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Approach Approach
Frontal Oblique Spiral
- Leads directly to the - Enhance the effect of - Emphasize the 3d form as
entrance along a straight, perspective on building we move around its
axial path form perimeter
- The visual terminates by - May be redirect several - Prolong the sequence of
the entire front faade or times, delay/prolong the the approach
an elaborated entrance sequence of the
approach - The entry may be hidden Leads directly to the entrance along a straight, axial path
until the point of arrival
Approach Approach
Portals and gateways have traditionally been means welcoming entry and The visual terminates by the entire front faade or an elaborated entrance
orienting the visitors to the path beyond.
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Approach Approach
Enhance the effect of perspective on building form
May be redirect several times, delay/prolong the sequence of the approach
Approach Approach
Emphasize the 3d form as we move around its perimeter
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Approach Approach
The entry may be hidden until the point of arrival
2. Entrance Entrance
- The act of penetrating a vertical plane that distinguishes one space from
another
- This act of entering can be
- Opening in the plane of a wall
- Implied plane established by two pillars or an overhead beam The form of the openings can range from a simple hole in the wall to an
- Even a change in level - greater visual and spatial continuity elaborate, articulated gateway
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Entrance Entrance
Entrances can be groped as following;
- Flush entrance - maintains the continuity of the surface
of a wall and can be, if desired, deliberately obscured
The entrance is best signified by establishing a plane perpendicular to the path
of approach - Projected entrance - forms a transitional space, and
provides overhead shelter
- Recessed entrance - also provides shelter and
receives a portion of exterior space into the realm of the
The form of the entrance can be similar, as a preview of the form of the space building
about to be entered
Or it can contrast to reinforce its boundaries and emphasize its character
Entrance Entrance
Location of Entrance;
- Can be centered, or be placed off-center within the frontal plane to
create a condition of local symmetry about its opening
- The location of an entrance will determine the configuration of the path
and the pattern of the activities within the space
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Entrance Entrance
Flush entrance - maintains the continuity of Recessed - provides shelter and receives a portion of exterior space
the surface of a wall, with elaborated, into the realm of the building
articulated gateway
3. Configuration of the Path Configuration of the Path
- All paths of movement are linear in nature
- All paths have a starting point, from which we are taken through a sequence of
spaces to our destination
- Pedestrians are free to turn, pause, stop and rest at will
- Wheeled vehicles; a bicycle has less freedom, a car even less, in changing pace and
direction abruptly
- Interestingly whilst wheeled vehicles may require a path with smooth contours,
The contour of a path depends on our mode of transportation reflecting turning radiuss, the width of the path can be designed tightly to its
dimensions, pedestrians need a greater volume of space and greater freedom of
choice along a path
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Configuration of the Path Configuration of the Path
- The intersection / crossing paths is always a point of decision making
- The form, continuity and scale of each path distinguish them between major routes
and secondary paths, or convey functional and symbolic distinction between public 1. Linear
promenades, private halls, and service corridors
2. Radial
- If the paths at a crossing are equal, sufficient space must be provided to allow people 3. Spiral
to pause and orient themselves
4. Grid
5. Network
6. Composite
major routes leading to major spaces and secondary paths leading to less important spaces
Configuration of the Path Configuration of the Path
i. Linear i. Linear
- All paths are linear
- A Straight path, can be the primary organizing element for a series of spaces
- Also it can be curvilinear or segmental, intersect other paths, have branches or
form a loop
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Configuration of the Path Configuration of the Path
i. Linear ii. Radial
A Radial configuration has linear paths
extending from or terminating at a central,
common point
Configuration of the Path Configuration of the Path
ii. Radial ii. Radial
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Configuration of the Path Configuration of the Path
iii. Spiral iii. Spiral
Museum of Endless Growth, Algeria, Le Carbusier
A Spiral configuration is a single, continuous path that originates The Spiral Walk, The Vatican Museum, Rome, Italy
from a central point, revolves around it and becomes increasingly
distant from it
Configuration of the Path Configuration of the Path
iii. Spiral iv. Grid
A Grid configuration consists of two sets of parallel paths that intersect at
regular intervals and create square or rectangular fields of space
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Configuration of the Path Configuration of the Path
v. Network vi. Composite
- A Network configuration
consists of paths that connect
established points in space
- Nodes
- centers of activity,
- entrances to rooms and halls - A combination of the different type of paths
- vertical circulation; stairways/ramps and elevators - A hierarchical order among the paths and nodes should be
- These nodes provide opportunities for pause, rest and reorientation established by differentiating their scale, form, length and placement
4. Path-Space Relationship Path-Space Relationship
Pass by Spaces
- The integrity of each space is
maintained
- The configuration is flexible
- Mediating spaces can be used to
link the path with the spaces
Pass through Spaces
- Pass through spaces axially,
obliquely or along its edge
along its edge - Creates pattern of rest and
axially movement within it
obliquely
Terminate in a Space
- The location of the space
establishes the path
- approach and enter, functionally
or symbolically important spaces
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Path-Space Relationship Path-Space Relationship
Path-Space Relationship 5. Form of the Circulation Space
- Spaces for movement is an
integral part of a building, and
occupy a significant amount of
the volume of a building
- If considered just as functional
linking devices, then
circulation paths would be just
corridor-like spaces
- however, it should
accommodate the movement
of people as they walk, pause,
rest, or take in a view along a
path
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Form of the Circulation Space Form of the Circulation Space
The form of a circulation space varies according to how:
Its form relates to the form of the spaces it links
Its qualities of scale, proportion, light and view are articulated
Entrances open onto it
Enclosed Open on One Side Open on Both Sides
It handles changes in level with stairs and ramps
- Forming a private corridor - Forming a balcony or - Forming a passageway
or public galleria that gallery that provides that becomes a physical
relates to the spaces it visual and spatial extension of the spaces it
links continuity with the spaces passes through
it links
Form of the Circulation Space Form of the Circulation Space
- The width and height of a circulation space should be proportionate - A narrow, enclosed path naturally encourages forward motion
with the function and amount of movement it must handle - To accommodate more traffic, and create spaces for pausing, resting,
or viewing - a path can be widened
- A distinction in scale should be established between a service corridor, a - The path can also be enlarged by merging with the spaces it passes
private hall, and a public promenade through
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Form of the Circulation Space Form of the Circulation Space
- 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
- Enclosed - Forming a private corridor that relates to the spaces it links
- A narrow, enclosed path naturally encourages forward motion
Form of the Circulation Space Form of the Circulation Space
Eastern State Penitentiary
- Enclosed - Forming a private corridor that relates to the
spaces it links Open on One side - Forming a balcony or gallery that provides visual and
- The width and height should be proportionate with the spatial continuity with the spaces it links
function and amount of movement it must handle
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Form of the Circulation Space Form of the Circulation Space
- Open on Both Sides - Forming a passageway
that becomes a physical extension of the
spaces it passes through
- A large space, a path can be random, A path can be widened and merge with other
determined by the arrangement of furnishings
spaces - for pausing, resting, or viewing
within the space
Form of the Circulation Space Form of the Circulation Space
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