Poorly Designed Entry Spaces

Posted on: November 22nd, 2010 | 3 Comments

John looks at two floorplans that are adversely affected by poorly designed entry spaces. For more info on entry spaces check out our online workshop on Front Entry Bench Design.

  • http://architecturetourist.blogspot.com/ Terry

    [img]entranceroomplan.jpg[/img]

    These are terrific videos and I’m very happy to have found them, being perfect for my attention span. I remember the jolt I got when first reading Design Pattern “130. ENTRANCE ROOM.” It explained the obvious: why entering some houses feels so good.

    I like this from A Pattern Language:
    “When hosts and guests are saying goodbye, the lack of a clearly marked “goodbye” point can easily lead to endless “Well, we really must be going now,?’ and then further conversations lingering on, over and over again.
    (a) Once they have finally decided to go, people try to leave without hesitation.
    (b) People try to make their goodbye as nonabrupt as possible and seek a comfortable break. “

  • http://s John Brown

    Terry,
    I am glad you are enjoying the design minute segments. Thanks for reminding everyone of Christopher Alexander’s work. “A Pattern Language” provides some great insight into the way people use houses.

    The entry in the floor plan you provided is an example of a good entry (although I am a little unsure about the 45 degree angle). It is a generous size without being over-scaled and has a good relationship with the library and the guest bath. Do you think the closet is too far away from the door?

  • http://architecturetourist.blogspot.com/ Terry

    The foyer isn’t perfect, almost though. For first time visitors it’s always unexpected. Folks don’t wear coats or boots down her; ours is full of office supplies. The closet door could face the foyer but then we’d have a door instead of a big mirror there. The diagonal is a long unexpected enfilade with windows at either end. In a few places on the diagonal you can see windows on 4 sides. The deal is: I trusted the architect. Only later did I realize how clever he was.