©2003 mark laurence
design principles note no. 1051
subject: |
The transition between public and private worlds |
problem: |
Inadequate transition between the public and private domain lessens ones sense of arrival, of “home”. |
This entrance fronts right onto the street, yet is recessed enough to create private space when you step up close. A lantern gives welcoming light.
These town houses have very small front gardens, just enough to give a sense of privacy as you open the front gate.
Moving from the public to a private domain should be a special moment of transition, of change. A special space is needed to create that moment.
problem:
When you move from public to private space, there is a moment of adjustment, however subtle, to the change of environment. This is especially true of urban living, where the public domain is often perceived of as hostile. If the change is too abrupt, then there is little sense of transition and the moment becomes lost.
If you walk abruptly from a cool dark space into a bright hot one, there is a moment of discomfort. And have you ever stood on a doorstep in the pouring rain, fumbling for keys? transitional spaces have practical reasons for existence too.
solution:
Create a transitional entrance area that is not-quite-inside and not-quite-out. The area should have its own unique character and be a space where, if appropriate to its use, you are happy to linger for a moment. Only on busy utilitarian doorways should lingering be discouraged but such areas are almost always in the public domain.
A front door implies that the visitor must wait for a response, whilst the owner pauses to put down shopping and find keys, etc. This small interval of time is when the biggest impact is made. In this moment of waiting, atmosphere is absorbed. A good entrance porch, reached through several transitions from the street can feel like a sanctuary. This becomes especially important for houses that do not have large screened front gardens, where the front door is exposed to all passers-by.
This drawing (right) shows an idealised transitional entrance to the front door of a house. The path is the primary transitional passage from the street - the material changes to brick edge and stone as one steps under the timber pergola, which extends out from the house. This is a secondary transitional area. As one steps into the porch area (with or without an outer door), the inner transitional area is reached, whereby one is almost entirely enveloped by house, yet still outside. Welcoming light is provided here at night, as is shelter from the rain for those calling.
summary:
- Define as many transitional stages between the public road and the private front door as is practicable.
- On open plan gardens it is especially important to emphasise the transitional aspects through a build up of planting and structure near the door.
- Terraced houses whose doors open straight on to the street have few options - a small step and canopy, or a set-back door will help.
- Create shelter from the rain and welcoming light at night.
- Scented planting and colour add cheer to an entrance.
- The front door is the public's view of your personality.