Selected Bibliography Architecture - Form Space and Order | Page 297

FO R M O F TH E CIRCULATIO N SPA C E

A vaulted staircase,
after a drawing by William R. Ware

Spaces for movement form an integral part of any building organization and occupy a significant amount
of the volume of a building. If considered merely as functional linking devices, then circulation paths would
be endless, corridor-like spaces. The form and scale of a circulation space, however, should accommodate
the movement of people as they promenade, pause, rest, or take in a view along a path.

282 / A R C H I TE C TU R E : F O R M , S PA C E , & O R D E R

The form of a circulation space varies according to
how:
• its boundaries are defined;
• its form relates to the form of the spaces it links;
• its qualities of scale, proportion, light, and view
are articulated;
• entrances open onto it; and
• it handles changes in level with stairs and ramps.