PatternRecommended
Building Edge
Pattern 160Description
The boundary between building and outdoors should be a layered transition — porch, balcony, recessed entry, window seat — not a hard wall.
Why this exists
Layered edges humanize the house and give occupants intermediate places to inhabit.
Categories
Site
Source
Christopher Alexanderno manifest entry
A Pattern Language (1977 (Oxford University Press))
Section: Pattern 160
Published 1977-01-01 · last verified 2026-05-09
Solver enforcement
Browsable only — the solver does not currently enforce this directive (no spec-level data to check against). This entry exists so the architect personas can cite it in conversation and the user can read what the rule says.
Related directives
- Main Entrance · Pattern 110
- Half-Hidden Garden · Pattern 111
- Private Terrace on the Street · Pattern 140
- Opening to the Street · Pattern 165
- Six-Foot Balcony · Pattern 167
Last reviewed 2026-05-09.