Building entrances Print

Design Outcome

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​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Desig​​n Checklist​

  1. Entrances are highly visible and directly accessible from surrounding areas
  2. Entrances are well integrated into the building's overall design
  3. Entrances provide easy and safe access for all​

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Overview


The building entrance is an important design element. Entrances create the first impression for, and add interest, depth and individual character to the exterior of a building.
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Better Design Practice

Design main entrances so that they are highly visible and directly accessible from the street.
  • Ensuring that the development has a strong relationship with the street promotes a high-quality and engaging streetscape.

Entrance points should be clearly marked, well-defined and accessible for all.
  • A successful entry is one that is easy to recognise. Universal design principles should be integrated into all key entrance points.

Provide each different use with its own entrance and ensure public and private entrances are separate and distinguishable. ​

Ensure entrances are integrated into the overall design of the building.
  • ​Where there is one main entrance, it should clearly be designated as such. This may be done by distinguishing the scale, form and detailing of the main entrance from that of secondary entrances. 
  • Entrance locations are often fixed for the life of the building and as such their design is very important.

Consider safety issues in entrance design.
  • To ensure the safety of residents and commercial occupants, wherever possible, entrances should be clearly defined and visible from the street. Entryways should be well lit, and long, narrow corridors to or from entrances, lifts and stairs should be avoided.
  • Planting around entrances should be high-canopied or below-knee height to ensure maximum visibility.

Rules of Thumb

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