EXOD946 We should not block a path where people need to walk. Chizkinu right said that the poles of the brass altar were removed because the altar was located in a place where people had to pass and it would inconvenience them if the poles would be protruding. The Ark, however, was located in the Holy of Holies. Since only the High Priest entered there on Yom Kippur, the poles intruding from the Ark did not inconvenience anyone. The Midrash (Avos D'Reb Noson 7:1) relates that Eyov's (Job) house had doors on all four sides so that the poor would easily be able to enter without having to walk around the house.