The Building Approach 
The distance view 

The Building Entrance 
From outside to inside 

Configuration of Path 
The sequence of space 

Path & Space Relationship 
Edges , nodes and termination of path 

Form Of The Circulation Space 
Corridor , Balconies , Galleries , Stairs , Rooms

The Building Approach 

Taken form Architecture, form, space & order by D. K. Ching

Frontal

  • A frontal approach leads directly to building entrance along a straight axial path
  • The visual goal that terminates the approach is clear ; it can be entire front facade of a building or an elaborated entrance within it.

Oblique

  • Enhance the effect of perspective on a building front façade and form
  • Path can be redirected one or more times to delay and prolong the sequence of approach.

Spiral

  • A Spiral path prolongs the sequence of the approach and emphasizes the three dimensional form of building and it moves around the buildings parameter.
  • The buildings entrance might be viewed intermittently during the approach to clarify its position or it can be hidden  until the point of arrival.

Examples

THE BUILDING APPROACH FALLING WATER, F. L. Wright

Oblique Approach : FALLING WATER, F. L. Wright
THE BUILDING APPROACH ; Saynatsalo Town Hall · Alvar Alto

Spiral Approach : Saynatsalo Town Hall · Alvar Alto
Aerial View : THE ACROPOLIS, Athens, Greece

Frontal Approach : THE ACROPOLIS, Athens, Greece

Building Entrances

  • Entering a building involves the act of penetrating a vertical plane that distinguishes one space from another and separates “here” from “there.”
  • An entrance is signified by establishing a real or implied plane perpendicular to the path of approach.
  • Entrances can be flush, projected and recessed.
  • Flush entrances maintain the continuity of a walls surface and can be deliberately obscured.
  • Projected entrances announce their function to the approach and provide shelter overhead.
  • Recessed entrances also provide shelter and receive a portion of exterior space into the realm of the building.
Building Entrances
Building Entrances

BUILDING ENTRANCES

BUILDING ENTRANCES
BUILDING ENTRANCES

An entrance can be centered within the frontal plane of the building or  it can be placed off center and create its own symmetrical condition about its opening.

The notion of an entrance can be visually reinforced by

  • Making the opening lower, wider, or narrower, than anticipated.
  • Making the entrance extra deep or circuitous.
  • Articulating the opening with ornamentation or decorative embellishment.
BUILDING ENTRANCES Piazza san marco venice , italy,
BUILDING ENTRANCES : Piazza san marco venice , italy,

View framed by doges palace on the left and scamozzi’s library on the right .

Gate to Toshogu Shrine and Yomeimon Gate, Toshogu Shrine
Gate to Toshogu Shrine and Yomeimon Gate, Toshogu Shrine
Von Sternberg house , Los angeles, by Richard Neutra.
Von Sternberg house , Los angeles, by Richard Neutra.
John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza in Dallas, by Philip Johnson
John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza in Dallas, by Philip Johnson
Pazzi chapel by Filippo Brunelleschi
Pazzi chapel by Filippo Brunelleschi
Millowner association building, Ahmedabad , by Le corbusier
Millowner association building, Ahmedabad , by Le corbusier

Configuration of the Path

  1. LINEAR All paths are linear , A Straight path , however can be primary organizing element for a series of spaces.
  2. RADIAL Path extending from , or terminating at central common point.
  3. SPIRAL Is a single continuous path that originates from a central point revolves around it.
  4. GRID  Consist of two set of parallel paths that intersect at regular intervals
  5. NETWORK  Consist of random path that connect established point in space
  6. COMPOSITE Employs combination of the preceding forms

PATH . SPACE RELATIONSHIP

PATH . SPACE RELATIONSHIP
PATH . SPACE RELATIONSHIP

PASS BY SPACES :

  • The integrity of each space is maintained
  • The configuration of path is flexible
  • Mediating space can be used to link the path with spaces

PASS THROUGH SPACES

  • The path may pass through a space axially, obliquely or along its edge

TERMINATE IN SPACE

  • The location of space establishes the path
  • This path –space relationship is used to approach and enter functionally or symbolically important spaces

Taken form :Architecture, form, space & order by D. K. Ching

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Study notes of theory of design (TOD) CIRCULATION ELEMENTS
Orientation of a Building
Elements of circulation

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