Circulation space
The term 'circulation' refers to the movement of people through, around and between buildings and other parts of the built environment. Within buildings, circulation spaces are spaces that are predominately used for circulation, such as entrances, foyers and lobbies, corridors, stairs, landings and so on.
Circulation spaces may be categorised as those facilitating horizontal circulation, such as corridors, and those facilitating vertical circulation, such as stairs and ramps. They may also be restricted to specific users groups, for example, in buildings used by the public there may be public circulation spaces, and also, restricted access private circulation spaces. They may be closed spaces such as corridors, or open spaces such as atria and in some cases may serve multiple functions.
The size of circulation spaces may be determined by factors such as; the type of use, the numbers of people using them, the direction of travel, crossing flows and so on. In complex buildings such as hospitals or transport exchanges, signage or other forms of wayfinding may be necessary to help people navigate circulation spaces.
Some circulation spaces may have very specific uses, such as for the movement of goods, or for evacuation. According to Approved Document B, Fire Safety, a circulation space (in relation to fire safety) is:
A space (including a protected stairway) mainly used as a means of access between a room and an exit from the building or compartment. |
Where a protected stairway is a stair discharging through a final exit to a place of safety (including any exit passageway between the foot of the stair and the final exit) that is adequately enclosed with fire-resisting construction. And a compartment is a building or part of a building comprising one or more rooms, spaces or storeys constructed to prevent the spread of fire to or from another part of the same building or an adjoining building.
Approved Document B sets out a number of requirements in relation to the design of circulation spaces where they are used for escape. Other requirements for circulation spaces are set out in Approved Document K, Protection from falling, collision and impact, and Approved Document M, Access to and use of buildings.
Urban Design Guidelines for Victoria, published by the State of Victoria (Australia) in 2016, defines circulation spaces (or 'circulation areas') as: ‘part of the common area of a commercial, mixed use or higher density residential building and are used by occupants, residents and other building users. These spaces include foyers, corridors, car parking areas, and garden and recreation areas.’
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
A change to adoptive architecture.
A must read for all built environment professionals.
A sun, tide, mass or scratch dial.
A brief description of time in the sun.
ICE Trustee Board update June 2022
Given by ICE President Ed McCann.
Artificial intelligence and project management
Two new research reports published by APM.
Association for Project Management membership offer
50% off APM Associate membership for Designing Buildings users.
Building safety, a shifting landscape for professionals
A commentary from the insurance perspective.
In brief with further links.
Walter Segal: self-built architect
A definitive book on a pioneer of green architecture.
Funding for heritage on the high street
Using heritage as a catalyst for reviving historic centres.
Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting update.
Declaration prioritising sustainable urbanisation adopted.
A small hidden, often distant but key building component.
Some brief words about the actuator.
CIAT Chief Executive steps down.
After 34 years at the Institute.
Volunteer opportunity launched by the ICE
To support the next generation of engineers.
Provisional findings show illegal cartels in the industry.
CIAT reporting from the Competition and Markets Authority.
Making sustainable construction number one priority.
The future of construction report.
Interview with ECA CEO.
Many provisions came into force on June 28, 2022.
With room to expand.
An information packed session at the BSRIA conference.
Refurbishment, Energy Efficiency, Indoor air and process.
Create a profile, write informed product articles and share.
Aluminium Composite Panels (ACP) is one example.
We are indeed now 10 years old, so go on and be bold !
Write about something you know, help us build and grow !