If you were inside and your friend was outside, and the wall between you was solid, you would not know they were there. Presumably, depending on how you got into the space in the first place, you might not even know if you were above or below grade when inside the building.
One tiny window could give you the perspective you need to understand your place in the world. A large glass door even more so. 
I believe that in order to define a successful inside|outside connection, a designer must understand what activities will take place on each side of the wall/connection. Horizontal connections can be exclusive if they are set too high for some or too low for others. Vertical connections can serve anyone at any height.
Mary:
ReplyDeleteDo you feel that visual sight through the wall in your sketches is enough to create a connection alone, or is more needed? I'm thinking of some of the rstaurants and coffee shops in my neighborhood. Many have soaring glass storefront. I wonder if the people inside having dinner feel "connected" to the people walking on the street just because there is a visual link. Do the windows need to open (like you show in your door pivot sketch?) Is the connection between inside and outside more physical or more emotional.
Mary -
ReplyDeleteAs I looked over your post, my thought was it is not just the activities of both spaces that need to be accounted for but also the environment of both sides. I have come across an architect that may interest you (or you may know about already) - Charles Correa. He has many philosophies on transitional spaces. He theorizes on the importance of linking extremes with transitional spaces. What he also reflects on is the transitions of light, air, color, balance. It is almost like he is saying that the connections have to be smooth and take in account the elements of both sides to create something spectacular and new!