DanielaArias

by Daniela Arias

Circulation is one of the most important elements that conform any structure. Thanks to it, it is possible for people to access a place or a building, to move from one space to another. It also determines the basic shape and character of the building and its dynamic with people. That's why we, as professionals, must be able to recognize different types of circulation. I intend to give a short description of Salt Lake City's public library in Utah (United States).

There are two types of circulation: horizontal (movement in the same plane) and vertical (movement from one plane to another). The public library has them both. In the other hand, there are four elements that make a good circulation plan. It must be adequate in size, it must has directness and finally, both points of converging traffic and changes in level, must be clearly expressed. The Salt lake City library is an spacious patio in the middle with long halls at the sides. The changes in level are clearly expressed with stairs all the way from the first to the fifth floor. People might walk at different directions in the same hall or floor which is excellent.



Francis Ching's book mentions some other elements that have more to do with the circulation in the surroundings of the structures. The approach to the building is the first one of them. In this case the approach is not frontal, (like it is mostly found in the American Architecture) but it is oblique. You approach the building from both sides, left or right. The second element is the different types of configurations for the path. The prime path to the library is a curve way in a radial configuration. The relationship of this path with a certain space is the third element named by Ching's notes. The path by the Civic Plaza would take you to the building, the relationship is that the path terminates in a space, which is the main entrance of the library. And last but not least, the author mentions the form of the circulation space. There are three types of forms: enclosed, open in one side or open in both sides. The library is open in both sides. 

In conclusion, we could say that as Urban Planners and Architects, we make relationships between people, spaces and structures. This is why it is important to know about circulation. Because circulation is conformed with elements that stablish relationships between the parts and the hole of the structures that we design; and it gives a general sense to an entire structure or city.



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