architectural length

The architectural length of a structure is its maximum horizontal dimension along a line perpendicular to its perimeter at the primary entrance. When no single primary entrance can be determined, the postal address point is used as the benchmark.

The entrance establishes the direction of measurement. The line runs inward and outward perpendicular to the perimeter at that point, even when another direction gives a larger overall dimension.

Architectural width uses the corresponding direction along the perimeter. The postal address supplies the common reference when a single primary entrance cannot be identified.