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Assessment of Corridor Configuration in Public Buildings

Abstract

Corridors are essential circulation elements in public buildings because they connect functional spaces and facilitate the movement of large numbers of users between different areas. The configuration of corridors can significantly influence accessibility, wayfinding, safety, space utilization, and overall building functionality. Poorly planned corridors may create congestion, excessive travel distances, confusing routes, and inefficient use of floor space. This study assesses corridor configuration in public buildings and examines how different spatial arrangements influence circulation efficiency and user experience. The study focuses on corridor characteristics such as width, length, geometry, connectivity, intersections, visibility, and relationship with adjacent spaces. Common configurations, including linear, L-shaped, T-shaped, looped, and branching corridor systems, are considered in relation to the functional requirements of public buildings. Attention is given to how corridor arrangements connect entrances, activity spaces, service areas, vertical circulation elements, and emergency exits. Circulation efficiency is an important consideration in corridor planning. Direct and logically connected corridors can reduce unnecessary walking distances and improve movement between frequently used spaces. Conversely, long corridors, dead ends, excessive turns, and poorly positioned intersections may increase travel time and create movement conflicts. The study therefore evaluates corridor configurations based on route directness, connectivity, accessibility, and potential congestion points. The relationship between corridors and adjacent spaces is also assessed. Corridors can function not only as movement routes but also as transitional, social, waiting, and orientation spaces within public buildings. Their width, natural lighting, visibility, seating opportunities, and connection to activity areas can influence how users perceive and occupy them. The study examines how corridor configuration can balance efficient movement with comfort, social interaction, and effective use of surrounding spaces. Accessibility, safety, and wayfinding are additional factors influencing corridor performance. Public buildings accommodate diverse users, including elderly persons, wheelchair users, visitors unfamiliar with the building, and individuals with varying mobility needs. Appropriate corridor dimensions, accessible surfaces, clear signage, adequate lighting, and unobstructed routes can support independent movement and reduce safety risks. The study also considers how corridor configuration contributes to emergency evacuation and crowd management. The study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the factors affecting corridor configuration in public buildings. It is expected to identify common configuration deficiencies and establish design considerations for improving circulation efficiency, accessibility, wayfinding, safety, comfort, and space utilization. The findings will be useful to architects, planners, and facility managers in developing public buildings with corridor systems that support clear movement patterns, inclusive access, efficient operation, and positive user experiences.

Keywords: Corridor configuration, public buildings, circulation, spatial planning, pedestrian movement, accessibility, wayfinding, corridor width, spatial connectivity, crowd management, building safety, emergency evacuation, space utilization, user experience.