Foyer

A foyer is a safe, large, and vast room or complex of rooms in a theatre, opera, concert hall, showroom, cinema, etc. adjacent to the auditorium. It is a repose area for spectators and place of venues, especially used before performance and during intermissions, but also as a place of celebrations or festivities after performance.

Usually a foyer is a large, specially designed hall, but sometimes it is a corridor surrounding the main hall. It is furnished and big enough to enable spectators to stroll, get together and rest. Foyers are commonly adorned with art works, permanent or temporary exhibitions related to the activity of the institution, and a refreshment room or buffet. Moreover, the foyer can be the main place of some events such as vernissage, meetings with the artists, actors' benefit, etc.

A foyer in a house is usually a small area or room adjacent to the front door where guests enter and stairs end or begin. Rooms such as an office, dining room, bathroom, and family room attach to it.

ocial housing

In social housing a "Foyer" is a service that combines housing for homeless young people with other services such as guidance and support, and access to learning and work.

The Foyer movement started in France, but is now gaining popularity in other countries. The first Foyers in the UK were launched in 1992 and as of 2008 there are well over 100 in operation. [http://www.foyer.net/mpn/]

ee also

*Lobby