Vestibule (architecture)
A vestibule (IPA pronunciation: [ˈvɛstɪbjuːl]) is a small room or delineated area of a building just inside an exterior door.
The same term can apply to structures in modern or ancient roman architecture. In modern architecture vestibule typically referees to a small room or hall between an entrance and the interior of the building or house. In Roman archetecture, vestibule (Latin: vestibulum) referred to a partially enclosed area between the interior of the house and the street.[1]
Modern usage
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| North portico of the White House. The vestibule is just inside the exterior doors. |
Vestibule of the White House residence shown in red. |
In contemporary usage, a vestibule constitutes an area surrounding the exterior door. It acts as an ante-chamber between the exterior and the interior structure. Often it connects the doorway to a lobby or hallway. It is the space one occupies once inside the door, but not yet into the main interior of the building.
Although vestibules are common in private residences as a modified mud room, they are especially prevalent in buildings designed to elicit a sense of grandure, such as government building. The residence of the White House in the United States is just such an example. It contains a vestibule between the entrance at the North portico and the main interior hall. Many government buildings mimic the classical architecture from which the vestibule originates.
Railroad use
When refering to rolling stock of a railroad, vestibule can refer to a common area at the end of a passenger car. Nowadays, these are typically enclosed, but historically they were bult much like a porch or balcony.
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.[2]
In ancient Roman architecture, the origin of the term, 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.[3]
References
- ^ Vestibule. The Oxford English Dictionary. http://www.oed.com Online edition, December 2006
- ^ Tarbel, F.B. "A History of Ancient Greek Art". Retrieved 3-2-2006.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help); Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help) - ^ McManus, Barbara. "Sample Plan of a Roman House". VRoma. The College of New Rochelle. Retrieved 3-2-2006.
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