ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses typical public spaces and their design considerations. The actual makeup of the public spaces depends on the owner's needs and can vary widely. The most public aspect of any building is its exterior, and theater buildings can vary greatly in this regard. Prior to the eighteenth century, theaters were tucked away in palaces or other buildings, or had unpretentious forms that were simple reflections of their function. Showrooms and other popular entertainment venues may provide food service within the auditorium, and most venues provide some form of food and beverage concession in the lobby, including alcohol if it is appropriate. Restrooms are most heavily utilized immediately before and after the performance and during intermissions. The front-of-house may include service spaces in addition to the public spaces, though the extent of these spaces varies with the type of organization and the needs of the operator.
