1-Vortex usually is a term mainly for flow streamline (no matter what the fluid is viscous or not), however, re-circulation flow is usually due to the viscous flow of the fluid.
2-For ventilation field, recirculation zone is not good for the purpose of enhancing ventilation. I attached one my recent article discussing the "lock up" phenomenon which is actually recirculation flow that is not good for air pollutants exhaust.
3-This is a typical question in fluid dynamics. I suggest you refer to one of textbooks, e.g., the book by Prandtl, for further discussions.
Hope my comments helpful.
Regards,
Article Study on the carbon dioxide lockup phenomenon in aircraft ca...
Refer to works devoted to cooling air systems in tunnels by Gabriel Giovannelli, Eric Casalé, Bernard Forestier, Jalil Ouazzani, ... contributions in conférences, papers, doctorate theses.