SPATIAL ORGANIZATION AND CIRCULATION PRINCIPLES

Space planning is not just simple planning of space requirements of a building but is a complex
process that considers many factors that may affect your design. The plan, therefore, must satisfy a set
of criteria that was set in order to have a functional and effective design.

One of the factors that architectural designers try to note is the spatial organization. Spatial
organization, in architectural terms, represents the relationship between form and space and how they
are arranged, composed, and brought together to have a collective and organized whole. There are
different forms of spatial organization, and it is sometimes labeled as "Circulation Principles." These are
the following circulation principles we can apply in planning to design a space:

1. Centralized Organization
2. Linear Organization
3. Radial Organization
4. Clustered Organization
5. Grid Organization

These organizational methods have already existed and been utilized since ancient civilizations
up to modern times. Each mentioned principle will then be discussed in more detail, starting with the
concept of centralized organization.

CENTRALIZED ORGANIZATION

Figure 1. Centralized Organization

In designing using a centralized organization, designers do not forget to put a dominant central
space with a group of secondary spaces surrounding it.
 The central space commonly appears regular in form and is large enough to fill smaller spaces
or rooms limited to its perimeter. The secondary spaces, on the other hand, can possibly have equal
sizes or shapes in order to create uniformity around the central space and to balance with the central
space. The spaces can also differ in size or form to highlight their unique function or to show their
varying hierarchy.

In addition to the relationship of each space to each other, specifically the relationship of the
central space to the secondary ones, the relationship of the central space to the site is also considered
since it is non-directional. It always depends on the site where it is located to dictate its entry and
access into its space.

In terms of circulation, a centralized organization of spaces can have a spiral, radial, or loop
type of circulation, which ends around the central space itself.

One example of this would be the Pantheon, one of the best-preserved monuments that are
within the perimeter of ancient Rome.

Figure 2. Pantheon

LINEAR ORGANIZATION

Figure 3. Linear Organization

 Unlike centralized organization, where there is a dominant and inferior space, this type of
circulation principle tries to achieve balance and uniform continuity. In designing with linear
organization, a space can have a single, unifying element wherein it is where rooms or spaces of similar
scale, program, and shape are arranged and placed.

Just like centralized organization, this type can also consider rooms or spaces of varying scale,
program, and shape, for they are only linear in terms of their alignment or arrangement in a singular
axis, not because of the volume of their spaces.

Because there are properties of length and axial community, this type provides movement that
is directional, unlike the previous one.

One example of structures exhibiting linear organization would be the La Maison Radieuse Le
Corbusier, an apartment building designed by Le Corbusier located in Rezé, a suburb of Nantes,
France.

Figure 4. La Maison Radieuse Le Corbusier

RADIAL ORGANIZATION

Figure 5. Radial
Organization
 Combining centralized and linear organization will produce another principle of circulation
known as "Radial Organization." A characteristic of it is it has a focal point that marks the center from
which linear forms radiate.

However, one of its differences is that, unlike a centralized organization, where the focus is
inwards and points to the center space, this type expands out towards the spaces surrounding the
central area.

In terms of linear forms, spaces may be similar in size and form and may differ in length or shape.
It could also be the other way around.

In addition to that, if the linear organization it contains is regular or symmetrical, the center
becomes the highest in value as it gains emphasis and importance other than the other forms. On the
other hand, if the same organization possesses irregularity and asymmetry, it gives each space
variation and its own level of hierarchy and unique function.

An example of a structure that utilizes radial organization would be the Wingspread, also known
as the Herbert F. Johnson House—a house located in Wind Point, Wisconsin, and built by Frank Lloyd
Wright.

Figure 6. Wingspread House

CLUSTERED ORGANIZATION
 Figure 7. Clustered Organization

Unlike the first three circulation principles, a clustered organization doesn't need to have a
centralized or secondary space and doesn't need to follow a singular axis for room or space
placements. Alternatively, it can also have those kinds of arrangements, as long as the spaces cannot
be cluttered away from each other, for what's essential in this type is the relationship of each space to
one another.

Most of the time, this consists of repetitive cellular spaces, each of which has visual qualities in
common to maintain the structure's identity.

Just like the previous types, it is also not required for the spaces to have regularities and
symmetry. It is also not necessary for the structure to have irregularities and asymmetry. What's
important is that each of the spaces is near and has a connection with each other, as stated in the
first statement.
An example would be Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater House, a house designed in 1935 for the
Kaufmann Family and currently situated in the mountains of Southwestern Pennsylvania.

Figure 8. Fallingwater House

GRID ORGANIZATION

Figure 9. Grid Organization

Grid organization differs from every type because it is composed of a 3-dimensional

composition of linear reference points. They form perpendicularly from one another, although it is not
necessary.

One advantage of using this type of circulation principle is that it gives a strong sense of stability
and order or organization just by its given continuity and regularity.

In terms of spaces with irregularity, this type provides those spaces unity despite the variations
they possess.

Aside from stability, this type can also be disturbed by external elements at specific locations to
create a hierarchy. This then gives that spot the proper emphasis and value.
Grid patterns cannot only be seen in the formation of rooms and spaces. It is also observed in
the structural elements of a building. It can be seen in the regular layout of the columns and beams of
a structure. On the other hand, it can also be noticed in non-structural elements such as the joints of
materials or the mullions in a glass.

One example of an architectural set of structures showcasing a grid organization's

characteristics is the Roman town of Timgad. Emperor Trajan founded it as a military colony in 100 AD,
and it is located on the northern slopes of the Aurès mountains.
Figure 10. Roman Town of Timgad