Saturday, February 25, 2012

Chapter 5: Circulation

Building Approach 
The approach to a building shapes the way we perceive the architecture of the structure. It dictates our feeling, and the view of the building. If the approach is one of long distance, your perception of the building from a distance will change as you become closer and closer. Thus the approach is very important.

The Palace of Versailles is an elegant example of the Building Approach. You are overpowered by the beauty of the garden that leads you to the entrance to the Palace and this dictates your perception of the structure at the end of your approach. It also indicates for you what may lie ahead. In the case of the Palace of Versailles beauty leads to beauty.















Building Entrance
The entrance to the building plays an integral role in the overall feeling of the building. Often times we see such attention to detail to the entrance of buildings, in an attempt to make a good first impression. Sometimes the entrance is flat against the building creating continuity, and other times it protrudes outward, or sinks inwardly. In both of the later, shelter is created an a feeling of surrounding encompasses you.

This building entrance is both interesting and a good example of a recessed entrance. This sort of entrance invites you into the building, as if you need to go a little further to discover what it inside. Functionally this sort of entrance makes sense as it protects from the elements.


















Configuration of the Path
Configuration of the path dictates the direction and the greatly controls circulation. As human beings we are constantly able to stop, turn, and start moving again along what ever path we are on. However, we as humans need mores space to function and operate within. The consideration of the configuration of the path is a very important one as it aids in our direction.

This is a great example of configuration of the path in that we see a clear path that has been configured in an intentional way so that all the guests will be on a certain path to view all of the art work in the museum. The Guggenheim has gone even further that they make sure you start at the top by bringing you their with an elevator.


















Path-Space Relationships
The path leads us to the spaces that have some sort of relationship to it. We are lead sometimes naturally or purposefully to areas that are connected by this path. Along this path we begin to realize the relationship between these spaces and how our path has created and dictated this relationship.


This image is a good example of path-space relationships and is powerfully portrayed in this mosque. The path leads us to these spaces. Some cross, and some are merely along the line that we follow. The impact these spaces have on us are impart due to the path that leads us to these spaces. Thus, the path-space relationship is quite important.


















Form of the Circulation Space
Form of the circulation space can be seen as a room, hallway, corridor, and gallery. This form is viewed as a connector for us. There are three types of these spaces: enclosed, one side open, and both sides open.

This image clearly represents the form of this unique space. Notice how this form dictates the feel of circulation space. It is open on one side and this has a large bearing on how this space feels.




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