In
architecture
Architecture is the art and technique of designing and building, as distinguished from the skills associated with construction. It is both the process and the product of sketching, conceiving, planning, designing, and construction, constructi ...
, circulation refers to the way people move through and interact with a building.
[http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/118392/circulation "circulation (architecture)" in Britannica Online Encyclopedia] In public buildings, circulation is of high importance; Structures such as
elevators,
escalators, and
staircases are often referred to as circulation elements, as they are positioned and designed to optimize the flow of people through a building, sometimes through the use of a
core.
In some situations,
one-way circulation is desirable.
References
Architectural design
{{Architecturalelement-stub