171The doorway itself already forms its own intermediate space
- not only as a revolving door or with a draught lobby, but
already through its reveals. This volume, which varies accord-
ing to depth, can be extended in depth perspectivally through
the funnel-shaped intrados of a portal.
A classical intermediate space is the foyer, vestibule or
entrance hall. It is an interior space, but at the same time, one
finds oneself still in a front area, beyond which not all arrivals
are allowed to proceed, for here at the latest, the decision is
made to admit or refuse. With more elaborate versions of the
entrance hall, one is detained by a doorman, and individu-
als assemble; one may have to wait until further progress is
permitted, or one is fetched. Here, the goal-oriented form of
movement found outside is allowed to reverse itself, adopting
a more tranquil attitude that corresponds to activity with-
in. The intermediate space is also a place for the > ritual of
greeting or parting, and in special cases, for a corresponding
ceremony. One is relieved of the warmth of one’s coat, since
its function as a shell for the body is now taken over by the
spatial envelope of the building. Here, we can orient ourselves
in relation to the remainder of the building, at least to the
extent that its > spatial structure allows an overview, that the
spatial > order is perceptible from this point. The architecture
exercises an influence on the role of the vestibule as a space
of anxiety and trepidation, excited expectation, or hopeful
promise.
We also know that in many instances, anterooms and
intermediate spaces are the settings for tasks that are more
important than those assigned to the main spaces themselves.
Decisive social contacts and consequential encounters of-
ten take place here. Important decisions are often made in
transitional spaces. The foyers of museums, theatres, and ho-
tel lobbies are places of social encounter; the corridors and
lounges of universities are places of productive exchange. The
political significance of anterooms and intermediate spaces is
exemplified by the ceremonial function of the representative