It depends on your goal (what you want it to do). IMO if for fishing then from pond bottom to top. You then can control where on the structure you want to fish. If for protection (fish reproduction, growth and survival) then it can be any way that achieves that purpose. Flat around beds or some of both for young fish survival and growth. If for a safe space around feeders then match to conditions. Best advice is to match the location and goal to the structure placement and fish.