I try not to simply reference links or content from other sites in this blog.  There are plenty of aggregator-sites out there on architecture and design and this forum has been more interested in trying to provide some small amount of original content. However, on occasion there is an article or post that so neatly sums up issues that interest my work that a link to them is warranted.

This is a very nice and very short couple of thoughts on the psychological desire for both shelter and prospect, for a space that provides a kind of protection and view.  I often use the example of the gunfighter who sits in the back of the saloon facing the door.  This is even better:

http://www.architectmagazine.com/blogs/postdetails.aspx?BlogId=opecoblog&PostId=93476