A vestibule is an anteroom or small foyer leading into a larger space, such
as a lobby, entrance hall, passage, etc., for the purpose of waiting,
withholding the larger space view, reducing heat loss, providing space for
outwear, etc. The term applies to structures in both modern and historical
architecture since ancient times. In modern architecture, vestibule typically
refers to a small room next to the outer door and connecting it with the interior
of the building. In ancient Roman architecture, vestibule referred to a
partially enclosed area between the interior of the house and the street.
Modern usage In contemporary usage, a vestibule
constitutes an area surrounding the exterior door. It acts as an antechamber
between the exterior and the interior structure. Often it connects the doorway
to a lobby or hallway. It is the space one occupies once passing the door, but
not yet in the main interior of the building.
Although vestibules are common in private residences, as a modified mud
room, they are especially prevalent in more opulent buildings, such as
government ones, designed to elicit a sense of grandeur by contrasting the
vestibule's small space with the following greater one, and by adding the
aspect of anticipation. The residence of the White House in the United States is
such an example, but somewhat confusing. At the north portico, it contains a tiny
vestibule now between the doors flushed with the outer and inner faces of the
exterior wall of, and in the past inside, the Entrance Hall separated from
the not much bigger Cross Hall by just 2 double columns. The difference in sizes
between a vestibule and the following space is better illustrated by the - so
called - entrance to the main gallery in the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum by
Frank Lloyd Wright. Many government buildings mimic the classical
architecture from which the vestibule originates.
A purely utilitarian use of vestibules in modern buildings is to create an "air
lock" entry. Such vestibules consist of merely a set of inner doors and a set of
outer doors, the intent being to reduce air infiltration to the building by
having only one set of doors open at any given time.
= ATM vestibule= An ATM vestibule is an enclosed area
with automated teller machines that is accessible from the outside of a
building, but typically features no further entrance beyond the vestibule.
There may be a secure entrance to the vestibule which requires a card to open.
= Railroad use= The vestibule on a railroad passenger
car is an enclosed area at the end of the carbody, usually separated from the
main part of the interior by a door, which is power-operated on most modern
equipment. Entrance to and exit from the car is through the side doors, which
lead into the vestibule. When passenger cars are coupled, their vestibules are
joined by mating faceplate and diaphragm assemblies to create a weather-tight
seal for the safety and comfort of passengers who are stepping from car to
car. In British usage the term refers to the part of the carriage where the
passenger doors are located; this can be at the ends of the carriage or at the
1/4 and 3/4 of length positions. Ancient usage
Vestibules were common in ancient Greek temples. Due to the construction
techniques available at the time, it was not possible to build large spans.
Consequently, many entrance ways had two rows of columns that supported the roof
and created a distinct space around the entrance.
In ancient Roman architecture, where the term originates, a vestibule was a space
between the interior of a building and the street. The structure was a mixture
between a modern hall and porch. Upon entering a Roman house or domus, one
would have to pass through the vestibule before entering the atrium.
From the 5th century on vestibules were used in Christian churches in both the
east and west. See also
Genkan Propylaeum
Vestibule at Wiktionary References