Understanding Enfilade: The Design Technique for Creating Continuity and Drama in Buildings

Enfilade (from French: en filade, "in a line") is a term used in architecture and interior design to describe a sequence of rooms or spaces that are aligned along a single axis, such as a corridor or hallway. The term can also be used to describe a series of windows or doors that are aligned in the same direction.

In an enfilade, each room or space is visible from the one before it, creating a sense of continuity and flow. This design technique is often used in historic mansions and palaces, where it was used to create a sense of grandeur and to emphasize the importance of certain spaces or rooms.

Enfilades can be found in various types of buildings, including residential homes, museums, and government buildings. They are often used to create a sense of drama and to guide visitors through a space, and they can also be used to create a sense of privacy and separation between different areas of the building.