Vestibule (architecture)

This article is about the architectural feature. For other uses, see Vestibule (disambiguation) § Architecture.
A floor plan with a modern vestibule shown in red

A vestibule (also anteroom, antechamber, or foyer) is a small room leading into a larger space[1] such as a lobby, entrance hall, or passage, for the purpose of waiting, withholding the larger space from view, reducing heat loss, providing storage space for outdoor clothing, etc. The term applies to structures in both modern and classical architecture since ancient times.

In antiquity, antechambers were employed as transitional spaces leading to more significant rooms, such as throne rooms in palaces or the naos in temples.[2] In ancient Roman architecture, a vestibule (Latin: vestibulum) was a partially enclosed area between the interior of the house and the street.

In modern architecture, a vestibule is typically a small room next to the outer door and connecting it with the interior of the building.

  1. ^ Harris 2005.
  2. ^ Reich, Ronny; Katzenstein, Hannah (1992). "Glossary of Archaeological Terms". In Kempinski, Aharon; Reich, Ronny (eds.). The Architecture of Ancient Israel. Jerusalem: Israel Exploration Society. p. 311. ISBN 978-965-221-013-5.