TABLE OF CONTENTS In designing either a single building or a complex, you may be involved with a multiuse structure or a single-purpose office building. I will first discuss the general layout of buildings within a complex and then treat the individual structures primarily as office buildings. Throughout this process, the designer must be aware of the psychological impact that all of the design features have on the occupants, their clients, and visitors.
When multiple buildings are being developed, it is important to establish an image for the complex and to make all of the buildings and their individual purposes easily identifiable and accessible. Our goal is to create a natural pathway to the entrance of each building.
Place the buildings as far back on the property as possible, with the parking areas in front. This will place the buildings in the Commanding Positions of the property and make the occupants feel more in control than if parking or other large and relatively empty spaces were behind their building. Although delivery and other service entrances can be placed at the back, parking for both employees and visitors in front of the building will make them feel more important than if they enter through the back door. In addition, the flow of energy will be a consistently forward motion as a person enters the property, proceeds to park, and continues forward to the main entrance.
Design as many slight curves as practical in the driveways, rather than long straight...
