doorgang

Doorgang is a Dutch term used in architecture and building practice to denote a passage or opening that enables movement between spaces. It can refer to the doorway itself, the opening in a wall, or a larger passage such as a corridor or covered arcade. The concept covers both interior connections between rooms and exterior connections between buildings or streets.

Forms of doorgang include internal passages between rooms, hallways, or stairwells; external passageways between buildings, under arches, or in covered passages in towns; and architectural features like arches or colonnades that function as transitional spaces. In historic settings, doorgangen can also serve as decorative or ceremonial elements within a building’s layout.

Design and regulation: The size, shape, and placement of a doorgang are determined by its function and local codes. Typical interior door openings range around 70 to 90 cm in many buildings, while for accessibility a clear width of about 90 cm or more is commonly recommended or required, accounting for door swing and clearance. Fire safety, egress requirements, and headroom are also important considerations in planning doorgangs.

Significance: Doorgang affects circulation, safety, acoustics, and the aesthetic experience of space. In historic architecture, doorgangen may be plain or ornate and function as transitional routes or public passageways. In contemporary design, they are integral to the layout and flow of interior and urban spaces, influencing how people move through buildings and cities.