bouwrichting

Bouwrichting is a term used in architecture, urban planning and construction to refer to the orientation of a building on its site, typically expressed as the direction of the building's main axis in relation to geographic north. This orientation influence how a building relates to its surroundings, including daylight access, solar gain, wind exposure, views, privacy and acoustic conditions. It also interacts with planning requirements and the surrounding urban fabric, such as street lines, sightlines and open spaces.

During the design phase, bouwrichting is determined by site analysis, climate data and regulatory constraints (for example setbacks and building lines). Designers may adjust the bouwrichting to optimize daylight, thermal comfort, energy efficiency and the perception of the building within its context. In practice, it affects facade composition—where windows, shading devices or balconies are placed—and the routing of services, entrances and public spaces. In urban design, the bouwrichting can govern the alignment of multiple buildings to create a coherent street wall, views and permeability through a block.

In construction documentation, the bouwrichting is reflected in drawings and models as the reference orientation for foundations, structural grids and facade work; any change to the established bouwrichting can require approvals and may affect permit compliance and construction sequencing.