53On an urban scale, the > public square assumes a cen-
tring function within a town or city. As the central point of a
quarter or of a community as a whole, it is a point of orienta-
tion that bundles together routes and whose centre is tradi-
tionally identified by outstanding public buildings. Within an
axial development, the centring function of a central space is
also aligned along an > axis. Axes themselves constitute linear
forms of centrality, and generally lead towards the centre of a
space. As demonstrative figures of orientation, axes are linked
to central spaces or squares in coherent gestures.> intermediate space, figure of movement, ritual, scene
> furnishing, postures
> body (architectural), space-body continuumThe term circulation refers in general to the circuits of move-
ment throughout the organism of the building. It encom-
passes the total flows through which > access is gained to the
various parts of a building via staircases and routes. Circula-
tion is hence a characteristic > figure of movement. By vir-
tue of its constant progress, circulation is distinguished from
a defined trajectory along a route with beginning and end,
although it may display discontinuity and high points. Un-
like the substantially free movement of > roaming, circulation
is characterized by recurrence in ways analogous to various
natural cycles such as the times of day or seasons of the year.
And in contradistinction from the arc of tension that defines a
> route from start to destination, circulation is characterized
by continuity and supported by the anticipated repetition of
numerous circuits. Such a periodic, potentially endless figure
of movement, the kind performed in a cloister, for example,
promotes the performance en route of discursive or contem-
plative activities. Related to circulation, then, is the oscillating
movement that continually returns to itself rather than link-Ceremonial
Chair
Chora
Circulation