passageways

Passageways are routes or spaces that enable movement between places or through structures. They convey people, vehicles, air, water, or goods, and appear in buildings, transportation systems, and natural environments.

In buildings, common passageways include corridors, hallways, stairwells, and lobbies that connect rooms and levels. Transportation networks use tunnels, bridges, underpasses, overpasses, and pedestrian ways to move travelers and cargo. Utilities employ ducts, conduits, and service tunnels for electrical, plumbing, and communication services.

Natural passageways such as caves, river channels, canyons, and straits guide water, wildlife, and travelers through the landscape.

Design and operation emphasize safety, accessibility, and efficiency: adequate width and headroom, clear sightlines, lighting, ventilation, drainage, and fire protection. Wayfinding and signage support orientation and emergency egress.

Maintenance and regulation involve building codes, accessibility standards, and fire safety rules, plus regular cleaning, inspection, and repair to prevent obstructions and ensure reliable passage.