Lobbies
The purpose of a lobby, as defined by the web, is the entrance room that connects to other rooms or hallways of a building. At a basic level, it is a means[room] to an end[room]; the physical router to the different rooms of the building. The lobby[router] can have a variety of filters to optimize the building’s purpose. For example, a building with security uses a lobby to grant access rights to the building. Businesses use lobbies as reception areas to direct customers where to go or wait. Transit stations, use a combination of these to provide security, as well as relevant information about the transit network. Lobbies also give a strong impression to its passersby. Ornate lobbies with high ceilings give a sense of grandness versus a dark and cramped lobby.
Most people don’t think twice about walking through a lobby, which I’d argue is a well-thought out lobby, since it is commonplace. But some lobbies are too poorly designed to ignore.
- Hotel lobbies with inadequate seating. Most commonly found in Las Vegas. Not sure why this is considered a good business practice. I understand that virtually no seating will force people to move along and spend money. But it seems too big of a risk to upset customers when the concierge, reception, or bell service are bound to get traffic overflows. Could you imagine standing in the waiting room for a dentist appointment?
- Lobbies with decoration, but no utility. Most commonly found in apartment buildings. What’s the point of putting up a mirror or painting when the lobby is clearly not meant for anyone to occupy it for more than a minute? Lower the rent before making a half attempt at looking nice.
- Lobbies with very little utility. Most commonly found in condominiums. It seems strange to have a single piece of seating furniture for a person to utilize when walking into their own home. Sure it may signal that the complex has some dough, but visitors will hardly notice since they head straight to their friend’s place once they are inside the building.
