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What draws people to use a certain path within a building?

wanpanman

While there are multiple ways to get from point A to point B within a building, why do people choose certain paths (assuming they start and end at the same origin and destination, the distances do not vary a lot, and there are no programmatic spaces in between to attract them)? 

From observations, it could be due to familiarity of the spaces, or that more people use that particular path, hence others follow. Are there other factors that contribute to a bias toward using a certain path? How do you make all corridors/pathways in a building equally utilised so as to spread out crowds/create a congestion-free crowdless building? Perhaps through thermal comfort, lighting.., some other spatial qualities? 

 
Feb 16, 16 8:28 pm
chigurh

lighting, signage, shortest path, avoiding your ex

Feb 17, 16 2:11 pm  · 
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Non Sequitur

I just go for where the beer taps are, so make sure that's obvious from the front door.

Feb 17, 16 2:44 pm  · 
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curtkram

floor covering. stalking your ex.

Feb 17, 16 2:52 pm  · 
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.

Feb 17, 16 2:55 pm  · 
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Non Sequitur

Miles, why do I need a special room just to rest?

Feb 17, 16 3:04 pm  · 
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Because you can't rest if there are women in the room.
 

Feb 17, 16 3:30 pm  · 
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Mr_Wiggin

Prison guard...

Feb 17, 16 3:51 pm  · 
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curtkram

unless they're transgender miles.

Feb 17, 16 3:53 pm  · 
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Volunteer

Sunlight. People will usually traverse a sunlit path, if available, even if it is longer.

Feb 21, 16 11:02 am  · 
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bowling_ball

Corridors. If your destination is at the other end of a corridor, you are more likely to travel said corridor to arrive at said destination.

JFC.

Feb 21, 16 11:07 am  · 
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Volunteer

'Corridor' is not necessarily internal to a building. Loggia and porticos are also external passages that could be considered. All bring natural light to the buildings users.

Feb 21, 16 12:23 pm  · 
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Volunteer nailed it. Think light at the end of the tunnel. Nobody want to go into a black hole, instinctually it does not feel safe.

Feb 21, 16 12:26 pm  · 
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I know OP asked specifically re: "within a building" but still in terms of applying the idea writ large, surprised no one has brought up Desire paths.

Mar 1, 16 2:04 am  · 
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