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Building Edge

Opening context:
Light on Two Sides of Every Room, Wings of Light, Positive Outdoor Space

Conflict

A building is most often thought of as something which turns inward — toward its rooms. People do not often think of a building as something which must also be oriented toward the outside.

Resolution

Make sure that you treat the edge of the building as a “thing”, a “place”, a zone with volume to it, not a line or interface which has no thickness. Crenelate the edge of buildings with places that invite people to stop. Make places that have depth and a covering, places to sit, lean, and walk, especially at those points along the perimeter which look onto interesting outdoor life.

Closing context:
Arcades, Outdoor Room, Gallery Surround, Six-Foot Balcony, Connection to the Earth