etulohkon

Etulohkon is a Finnish architectural and urban planning term referring to the front block or street-facing portion of a building complex. The concept focuses on how the facade and massing of the front portion relate to the public realm, including street alignment, entry placement, and materials. In planning documents, etulohkon is used to describe the part of a site that establishes the building’s urban edge and first impression for pedestrians.

Etymology: the word is a compound of etu meaning "front" and lohko meaning "block" or "section"; etulohkon is the genitive singular form of etulohko, and is used to indicate possession or relation (the etulohkon facade, etc.).

Usage: discussions of etulohkon cover facade rhythm, window spacing, entrances, and how the front block integrates with streetscape and neighboring buildings. It is typically distinguished from rear or inner blocks, focusing on visibility, accessibility, and streetscape continuity.

Range and sources: the term appears mainly in Finnish-language architectural and urban planning discourse. It is not widely documented in English-language sources, and its precise meaning can vary by municipality or project. For non-Finnish readers, equivalent terms include “front block” or “street-facing block” in general planning language.

See also: front block, facade, urban edge, massing.