Quiz4_Circulation

STUDENT CENTER AT CLEVELAND UNIVERSITY Vertical and Horizontal Circulation

One of the most important aspect to be considered by the architects when he or she design buildings is the circulation, both horizontal and vertical, because the experiences of circulation must be varied to raise an event to evoke wonderful feelings. That is why is really important to study this architectural characteristic. An example of a good circulation design is the Student Center at Cleveland University, located in Cleveland,Ohio; USA.

In this case, about the exterior circulation, the spiral approach experience create a strong connection with the surroundings, because the University is fronting on the main thoroughfare to downtown Cleveland, Euclid Avenue. In this way the campus is integrate with the avenue and create an open connection with the city.



The external horizontal circulation system is very pleasant, from pedestrian bridges which distributed to the main plaza and the parking to the outside ramp that takes people to the main entry.

Then, the internal circulation is about a ramp system that interlaces the different spaces on the three stories organized as follows: the first level provides street level access to the atrium floor, bookstore, pub, and cyber lounge. The second level contains the primary dining and food court areas as well as a convenience store and student senate office suite. It also provides direct access to the campus wide interior walkway system. Finally, on the third level are located the conference center and the student life administration. There is also an outdoor terrace fronting Euclid Avenue.

On the other hand, the vertical circulation is based on four stair kernels, which distributed people to the different stories. Besides, those are located in a visible point, in the perimeter of the central atrium, because in there the stairs could be visible to the public.

How you can see, the CSU is a good example of a building with a very fluid circulation. In my opinion, the University has a circulation system that allows to the people enjoy better the beautiful spaces created by the architect. So, the use of ramps enriches the experiences, external and internal, with a softy touch, and creates a balance with the vertical circulation, according to the building’s dynamics.   media type="file" key="quiz4.wma" align="center"