Thirteenth International Conference on Design Principles & Practices

Abstract

The architectural design process is supported by an analytical phase and a detailed brief, which describes aims, functions and user necessities of a project. Indicators on design quality may be included, but circulation spaces are mostly not detailed. Questions of flows (people and goods) are rarely answered, leaving design teams to solve complex problems, without the support of tools. Contemporary architecture, still physical and often denying the principles of modernism (logic, purpose and efficiency), emphasizes open-ended spaces, with “blurred edges” and fluidity. These designs continue to be based on a design process that needs to solve complex spatial problems, through idea generation, simulations and solution realm evaluations. In this scenario not only people and goods circulate but also information. Other flows, related to environmental comfort and sustainability have gained importance and design methods continue essential to aid design teams. This paper presents a study on the concept of circulation in architecture. The question of circulation and connectivity of spaces is discussed. Aspects of circulation (flows, access, hierarchy, organization, wayfinding, accessibility, flexibility, among others) are structured in graphic form. Four Pritzker prizewinning designs are analysed using this structure. Design solutions to recurrent problems are identified and transformed into diagrammatic abstractions. To accelerate problem solving a matrix of design solutions is created. A tool is thus developed to help in solving problems of circulation in contemporary architecture.