Bygningskanten

Bygningskanten is a Norwegian term meaning "the building edge." It refers to the outer boundary of a building—the interface where the structure meets exterior space. This includes the exterior walls, corners, parapets, eaves, and other elements that define the building’s footprint and its interaction with the surroundings.

In architectural practice and urban planning, bygningskanten is a central concept for siting and massing. It helps define setback requirements, building lines, and plot coverage in zoning codes. The line often marks where construction must begin relative to property boundaries, streets, or neighboring buildings, shaping density, scale, and the visual rhythm of streetscapes.

From a design perspective, the bygningskanten influences daylight access, ventilation, wind effects, privacy, and the microclimate around the structure. It guides facade treatment, material choices, window placement, and weather protection at ground level. Structural considerations include foundations and loads transferred to the ground, as well as allowances for balconies or overhangs at the edge. Fire separation distances and egress routes are also related to the building edge in many codes.

In historical or archaeological contexts, the term can denote the visible or recovered edge of a former construction, helping researchers delineate phases of a site.

See also: building envelope, setback, property line, facade, massing.