jalankäytävistä

Jalankäytävä, a Finnish term for corridor or passageway, is a functional architectural element that links rooms and sections within a building. It provides a controlled flow of people, facilitating movement while separating circulating spaces from rooms that may contain sensitive or variable environments. In residential architecture, a jalankäytävy often runs along the façade, connecting living rooms, kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms. In commercial and institutional structures, corridors are designed to accommodate higher foot traffic, include wider widths, and incorporate handrails, lighting and signage to aid navigation.

Corridor design follows building codes that prescribe minimum dimensions, clearance, and accessibility requirements. In Finland, corridors are required to be at least 120 cm wide for normal use, with emergency egress corridors demanding a minimum of 180 cm. Fire safety regulations demand that corridors form part of an uninterrupted escape route, with clear first‑aider access points and fire-rated walls.

Architects may use jalankäytteitä for aesthetic purposes, incorporating features such as light wells, natural ventilation shafts, or decorative finishes. Sound insulation and thermal performance are also considered, as corridors can transmit noise and heat between rooms. In modern design, corridors sometimes double as social spaces, providing seating or art displays to enhance occupant experience.