foyers

A foyer is the entry space of a building, serving as a transitional zone between the exterior and the interior. In theatres the term typically refers to the lobby area where patrons congregate before performances and during intermissions. In residential, commercial, and institutional settings, the word describes the entrance hall or reception area that connects to other rooms, floors, or corridors. The word originates from the French foyer, meaning hearth, reflecting its historic role as the central living space around a fireplace.

Functions of a foyer include managing the flow of people, providing a buffer against weather, and making an initial impression of the building. It commonly houses a reception or concierge desk, seating, cloakrooms, restrooms, and access to stairs, elevators, and adjacent rooms. Theater foyers often incorporate additional features such as bars, box offices, or merchandise displays to accommodate social activity and pre- or post-event needs.

Design and layout considerations emphasize circulation efficiency, lighting, acoustics, and material choices that convey the building’s character. Foyers can range from compact entrance halls to expansive two-story lobbies or atria, sometimes with sightlines to other parts of the building and generous glazing or skylights to enhance visibility and ambience.

Regional usage varies: in some places “foyer” is the common term for a building’s entrance hall, while in others “lobby” is more prevalent. Regardless of terminology, foyers function as the primary interface between outdoors and the interior, shaping first impressions and supporting the movement and comfort of occupants. Safety and accessibility requirements, including clear egress routes and accessibility features, are integral to modern foyer design.