The power of a space grows when it is skillfully described as an evolving story. It should be a carefully composed narrative. We follow this story, whether consciously or not, when we make our way to or through the space. It can bring us in or repel us. It signals what’s to come and recalls out important notions along the way. It has a rhythm, a beginning, a middle and an end. It should unfold, flow, twist, speed up, slow down, and surprise. It can’t be missing any threads. It has to be clear. It's a lot like a joke: how we get there defines the punchline.
Again, we want to be a part of both the motives of a space and of how it unfolds, but can’t always. If the motives are foul or if the telling is confusing, we become disengaged.