Circulation
The word ‘circulation’ refers to movement around something, in particular a closed system.
In the built environment, this generally relates to the movement of people, typically within a building. Within buildings, circulation spaces are spaces that are predominately used for circulation, such as entrances, foyers and lobbies, corridors, stairs, lifts, landings and so on. For more information see: Circulation space.
Understanding the movement of people is very important in the design of buildings in terms of legibility, wayfinding, accessibility, security, safety, the maximisation of revenues, optimisation of journey times and the provision of clear and safe means of escape.
Alternative circulation routes may be provided for different functions, such as public access, private access, the movement of goods, exit, escape and so on. This can be particularly complicated in buildings such as hospitals and airports where there may be a great number of circulation requirements, some of which conflict or must be kept entirely separate.
The design of circulation may be based on the required route, type of circulation, number of people, type of people (familiar with the route or not) frequency of use, time of day, environmental conditions, distance, direction (horizontal or vertical) and so on.
Where circulation has been poorly designed, this can cause conflicts, confusion and frustration. This is particularly evident in landscapes, where users may simply by pass designed pathways and create their own desire lines through the landscape itself.
Building regulations requirements for circulation around and within buildings are described in:
Circulation may also refer to the movement of other things around and within buildings, such as air, water, refrigerants and so on. See Primary circulation and Secondary circulation.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
Building Safety Regulator reforms
New roles, new staff and a new fast track service pave the way for a single construction regulator.
Cooling centres and cool spaces
Managing extreme heat in cities by directing the public to places for heat stress relief and water sources.
Winter gardens: A brief history and warm variations
Extending the season with glass in different forms and terms.
Restoring Great Yarmouth's Winter Gardens
Transforming one of the least sustainable constructions imaginable.
Construction Skills Mission Board launch sector drive
Newly formed government and industry collaboration set strategy for recruiting an additional 100,000 construction workers a year.
New Architects Code comes into effect in September 2025
ARB Architects Code of Conduct and Practice available with ongoing consultation regarding guidance.
Welsh Skills Body (Medr) launches ambitious plan
The new skills body brings together funding and regulation of tertiary education and research for the devolved nation.
Paul Gandy FCIOB announced as next CIOB President
Former Tilbury Douglas CEO takes helm.
UK Infrastructure: A 10 Year Strategy. In brief with reactions
With the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA).
Ebenezer Howard: inventor of the garden city. Book review.
The Grenfell Tower fire, eight years on
A time to pause and reflect as Dubai tower block fire reported just before anniversary.
Airtightness Topic Guide BSRIA TG 27/2025
Explaining the basics of airtightness, what it is, why it's important, when it's required and how it's carried out.
Construction contract awards hit lowest point of 2025
Plummeting for second consecutive month, intensifying concerns for housing and infrastructure goals.
Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025
Examining the state of mental health in construction, shedding light on levels of stress, anxiety and depression.
The benefits of engaging with insulation manufacturers
When considering ground floor constructions.
Lighting Industry endorses Blueprint for Electrification
The Lighting Industry Association fully supports the ECA Blueprint as a timely, urgent call to action.