Frontpassages

Frontpassages is a term that appears in multiple disciplines but lacks a single, authoritative definition. In architectural and built-environment contexts, front passages commonly refer to interior corridors or passageways situated near the main entrance of a building. These spaces may function as vestibules, foyers, or transitional zones that guide occupants from the exterior to interior rooms and can serve as social or functional anchors in urban design, particularly in dense city settings.

In transportation and public-space planning, the phrase can denote the primary pedestrian corridor at the front of a station or facility, intended to channel crowds from street access toward platforms or common areas. The design and designation of such passages influence wayfinding, safety, and accessibility.

In literary and publishing contexts, front passages may be used informally to describe opening sections of a text—such as prologues, preludes, or the earliest scenes—though this usage is not standardized and may vary by author or tradition.

Because frontpassages is not a standardized term, its precise meaning depends on the field and source. When encountering the term, readers should examine the surrounding text, diagrams, or definitions to determine the intended sense. In scholarly work, authors often define the term when it first appears, or employ more established terms like front matter, foyer, or entry passage to avoid ambiguity.