What configuration of planes defines a volume of space oriented toward both open ends?

The configuration of parallel planes defines a volume of space oriented toward both open ends because the nature of parallel planes allows for a consistent alignment and spacing between them. This configuration creates an elongated space that remains open at both ends, facilitating movement and flow. The parallelism ensures that the two ends are accessible and directly relate to one another, effectively channeling views and experiences in a seamless manner.

In architectural design, this concept is often leveraged to create corridors, galleries, or other types of elongated spaces that encourage circulation and interaction between different areas. The open ends enhance the connection to the surrounding environment, making it an effective choice for spaces intended to promote connectivity.

Other configurations like U-shaped and L-shaped planes create enclosed or semi-enclosed volumes, limiting the openness of the ends. Rectilinear forms can describe a wide range of shapes but do not inherently suggest the same fluid or open-ended experience that parallel planes do, as they can also be configured in ways that do not maintain the same orientation toward both ends.