Figure 2: Illustration depicting age of high mobility (pg

We live in an age of high mobility brought about principally by the development of transport and communications. Besides the static condition of buildings, the rest of the built environment revolves around a proliferation of various means of enabling movement. In this sense, we are, compared to previous eras, hyper-mobile and, as a constant movement has become increasingly possible, so the appetite for change has enlarged.

The pleasing visual quality of these spatial curves or proportions is derived from their natural order. The fluidity of curves is essential, and this sense of movement is enhanced by a seamless transition in the geometry that sets them out. This may be a vision of how people will move around the building or may take account of more psychological aspects, the visualization of the lines of force, the axiality of some particular arrangement, or the mere feeling of being pulled along or guided by the spaces of the structure.

Lines of force exist in mind as well as in the spaces or landscape that we create, contributing to a sense of spirituality; they are the result of how spaces or objects in Space relate to each other to create a higher power. Although these spaces or objects may be static, they prescribe a geometry that implies movement. Moreover, the spaces and objects which possess the power to generate lines of force often have a strong presence themselves usually traceable to their geometry.

One should not only look in the mind when considering perceptions of movement in the static reality of built forms because other factors can bring buildings to life. People inhabit the way spaces, whether singly or in crowds, is crucial, but architecture would be virtually nothing if it were not for light, ever-changing.

Today it is difficult to stand still; uncertainties exist everywhere, and technology is shrinking the world. Aware of this, architecture attempts to serve a demand for excitement and interest, and there is a confidence about an architecture which not only asserts itself by appealing to man’s appreciation of movement but which also explores new geometries and forms. Buildings too are more liberated by what can be conceived, realized and manufactured economically while at the same time becoming ever more responsive to our senses.

Can you recollect times when circulation in built and unbuilt spaces affected your behaviourism?