The ambulatory ( 'walking place') is the covered passage around a cloister or the processional way around the east end of a cathedral or large church and behind the high altar.[ Ambulatory]
The same feature is often found in Indian architecture and Buddhist architecture generally, especially in older periods. Ritual circumambulation or parikrama around a stupa or cult image is important in Buddhism and Hinduism. Often the whole building was circumambulated, often many times. The Buddhist chaitya hall always allowed a path for this, and the Durga temple, Aihole (7th or 8th century) is a famous Hindu example.
The term is also used to describe a garden feature in the grounds of a country house. A typical example is the one shown, which stands in the grounds of Horton Court in Gloucestershire, England.
Medical term
Ambulatory is also an
adjective used to describe
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patients who can walk despite their illness or injury.
[ ambulatory]
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outpatients generally including those needing a wheelchair.
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medical staff providing outpatient care (see Ambulatory care nursing, Ambulatist).
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medical procedures that do not ordinarily require an overnight stay in hospital (see Ambulatory care).
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Canes or other walking aids can be called ambulatory assistive devices.
[ ambulatory]
See also
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List of architectural vaults
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Scarcella
External links
