What type of openings is typically specified for entrances and storefronts?

The appropriate type of openings specified for entrances and storefronts is typically curtain walls. Curtain walls are non-structural outer coverings of a building that are designed to keep out the elements while allowing natural light to penetrate the interior spaces. They can accommodate expansive glass facades, which are often used in storefronts to create a visually appealing and inviting entrance. This design enhances visibility for merchandise and provides transparency, making it desirable for commercial applications.

Curtain walls also offer flexibility in design and can be engineered to meet specific performance criteria, such as thermal efficiency and wind resistance, which are crucial for larger openings found in storefronts and entrances.

In contrast, while frames, doors, and security barriers may play roles in detailing or securing openings, they do not encompass the overall structural and aesthetic characteristics typically associated with storefronts and large entrance designs. Doors serve as entry points but do not address the larger design aspirations and applications provided by curtain walls in commercial architecture.