Recording a doorway and its opening direction

The question behind the worksheet

A doorway record needs more than a front-facing photograph. The opening direction and what sits on either side can matter as much as the visible frame.

Work through the observation

Photograph the doorway from both approaches. On a sketch, mark the hinge side, the usual open position and nearby obstacles. Record measured openings only where they can be checked safely. Note whether the door or fittings can change position; leave that as a question if unknown.

A worked example to compare

A wide-looking doorway may lead immediately into a narrow turn. Pairing the doorway view with the approach view prevents the opening from being considered in isolation.

Questions to put in your notes

Use these prompts to produce a short record you can revisit. Date the sheet, identify the reference you used and leave unknowns explicitly unanswered. Keep site facts, personal preferences and requests for confirmation separate.

• Which way does it open?
• What happens immediately before and after it?
• Which measurements remain uncertain?

What this exercise cannot establish

This is an access discussion aid. It does not certify that an object can pass through or authorize removing doors or fittings.

Choose the next question

Keep the resulting note with your current brief. Before sending it, check that it explains one decision clearly and does not turn a preference into an agreed detail. Use the current linked page for the relevant website guidance, and bring any piece-specific uncertainty to the atelier.

Read the related guidance ↗