One of the recurring problems for ESL (English as a Second Language) learners and other non-native English speakers is what preposition to use with regard to location—specifically, in, at, or on.
This varies seemingly unpredictably, so that one says:
- in the room, but at the house, and on the street
- in Parliament, but at the Legislature.
Although it seems unpredictable, there is a certain cyclical logic to it, which has to do with scale. As a general guide, the following spiral diagram may help:
Notes by Autumn Light 
Fascinating. I never realized it could be diagrammed.
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Thanks. Don’t take it as gospel, though: it’s just something I’ve noticed, and it seems to hold true, by and large.
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