Open to debate

SIR – In Scandinavian countries with heavy snowfall, surely it is counterintuitive for doors to open outwards (Letters, December 2).

After an overnight blizzard, one would be less likely to find oneself snowed in if the doors opened inwards. Clive Booth

Bishop Auckland, Co Durham

SIR – I hope the Scandinavians have health and safety warnings on their doors for us poor foreigners, in order to prevent us from standing too close when they are opened. Liddle Stokoe

Ashstead, Surrey

SIR – Surely the best reason for outward-opening doors is safety.

In the event of an emergency – especially in a place where there could be a number of panic-stricken people pushing one another – it is much easier to exit through an outwardopening door. Godfrey Dann

East Grinstead, West Sussex

SIR – The more important architectural question, of course, is why all American houses – at least those we see on television – have front doors which open directly into the living room, without a draught lobby.

The heat loss during winter must be enormous. Joe Hayward

Stanmore, Middlesex