carlossoto

=Salt Lake Library´s Circulation= by Carlos Soto

Circulation patterns are important organizing elements in Architecture and Urban design. Both simple functional needs and more complex characteristics of the structures to be placed, determine how circulation will be developed. But the main character is the user, because the first thing that a good designer must to take into account is that people will be moving through and interacting with the structure. There are two types of circulation: Vertical and Horizontal, each with its own properties.

In the Salt Lake City Public Library, we can see a clear circulation pattern. also the place seems to be considered interesting and cool because of the distribution of the space. Its horizontal circulation, starting by the outside with the aproach surrounded with green areas and several paths that lead to the entrances in the semi-circular facade, shows a fresh open space, to get then into the main hall. Once inside, you have a choice of a glass enclosed elevator (which ubication in the main hall is the best, because there is a need of space for people to wait) or winding stairways to reach the different levels. so changes in leves are clearly expressed.



There are bridges between floors to allow the circulation in the corridors, which in most cases are connected with a definite space, such as the computer centers or the study areas. In this way the design is progressive, because the user will know when the circulation ends or changes its direction. Also the corridors, stairways and glass elevators layouts produce visual effects evoking nice views of the structure inside.

It is not an easy task dealing with spaces to be functional and esthetic at the same. But I think, the configuration used (both outside and inside) is appropiate for this building because it is public, so it is open enough to the quantity of people that is expected to visit it, and also the designer achieved a good-looking project.