The Natural Flow Pattern
Kaftan’s B.Arch Research
Author: Eran Kaftan
The University of Arizona, Architectural Department, 2000
Abstract
Observation of the natural flow pattern that water creates in the natural landscape can aid the organization of the pedestrian environment by applying its principles to improve the flow of pedestrian circulation. We can find some resemblance between pedestrian circulation and fluid movement (1) because they are driven by the same kinetic force. People, like water, move in a flowing motion. Once they accelerate, they are directed by momentum. Consequently, every bend is smoothly curved, creating equilibrium between the rectilinear momentum force and the individual’s desire to turn. This creates an optimal flow pattern whose paths require the least effort (1). We can find evidence of these paths if we carefully examine the way people move around street corners. Instead of a square turn, as we would expect, we would detect that their course follows a sharp curve. Many of the natural flow characteristics can be utilized architecturally in different scales, from the curved line and the meandering shape to a larger scale where we can find similarities between the watershed basin and a city with its neighborhood.
Selected Features
Relevant Publications
Presented at: Expo on Line: THE CITY: THIRD MILLENNIUM, International Competition of Ideas Architecture Biennale, 2000, Venice. International Architecture Exhibition, The City: Less Aesthetics, More Ethics.
Examples for Architectural Implementation