One of the fundamental elements of architectural design, circulation refers to the movement and transportation systems that directly affect the functioning of a building or space and the user experience. Circulation plays a decisive role in organizing transitions between spaces, ensuring functional integrity, and structuring user guidance. According to Ching (2002), circulation is a design element that shapes not only physical transitions but also spatial perception and wayfinding behavior.

^{Circulation Axes in Architecture (Frank Barning)}

Types of Circulation

Architectural circulation is classified under three main headings: horizontal, vertical, and outdoor circulation:

Horizontal Circulation

Horizontal circulation refers to movement that occurs on the horizontal plane within a building's floors. Corridors, galleries, courtyards, and open-plan office layouts are prime examples of this type of circulation.

Vertical Circulation

Related to stairs, elevators, and ramps that provide movement between floors. Vertical circulation is of great importance, especially in terms of ensuring accessibility standards.

Outdoor Circulation

Includes elements such as pedestrian paths, entrance areas, and parking connections around the building. It plays a critical role in open-space arrangements and the effective use of public areas. This type of circulation directly affects users' access to the building and their wayfinding around it.

Importance of Circulation in Architectural Design

Circulation, as a fundamental component of building and spatial organization, is important in terms of functionality, aesthetics, and user comfort. Especially in public buildings, and social function spaces like education and healthcare, circulation areas should be designed to facilitate wayfinding and enrich the user experience.

In educational buildings, circulation not only serves as a passage function but also takes on a role that supports social interaction, fosters a sense of belonging, and creates informal learning spaces.

In buildings with special uses, such as museums, circulation transforms into a design tool that guides visitors' experience and integrates with the exhibition layout.

^{Circulation in Architecture (Mihman Duğanlı)}

Circulation in the Context of Accessibility and Universal Design

In contemporary architecture, accessibility principles are adopted as a fundamental approach in the design of circulation areas. Within the framework of universal design, these areas must be accessible and usable for all users, regardless of age, gender, or disability.

Ensuring physical comfort, the effectiveness of wayfinding systems, and spatial solutions that support visual perception should also be considered together with accessibility.

Traditional and Contemporary Approaches

In traditional architecture, circulation was generally designed to establish hierarchical relationships between spaces, organized around courtyards, and based on specific axial systems.

In contrast, in contemporary architecture, especially in museums and cultural buildings, circulation areas are treated in more flexible, experience-oriented, and free forms. Visual and auditory stimuli are integrated into these areas, which guide visitor movement, offering a multi-sensory experience.