Final answer:
The term 'front of house' refers to public spaces such as the lobby, corridors, and elevators in hospitality settings like hotels and theaters. It represents the guest-accessible areas, is designed for comfort and convenience, and includes staffed areas like the cloakroom and concessions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The area described in the question is commonly referred to in the hospitality industry as the front of house. This term encompasses all spaces within a hotel or theater that guests can access, such as the lobby, corridors, elevators, and guest services. In a theater setting, the front of house would also include areas like the ticket office, cloakroom, restrooms, and possible amenities like a cafeteria or bar. The front of house serves as the public face of the establishment and is designed to provide a welcoming and comfortable environment for guests.
In terms of theater design, the front of house gives way to the seating areas, which may feature a main floor, often called the stalls, and various levels such as a Mezzanine and a Balcony. The arrangement and access to these levels are typically from the lobby via stairs or elevators. The pricing of tickets often reflects the location of seating, with Mezzanine and Balcony seats usually being less expensive than those on the main floor.
The personnel working in the front of house may include individuals in the cloakroom, concessions, and merchandise sales, all of whom play an integral role in contributing to the overall guest experience. Additionally, certain architectural features such as fountains, courtyards, gardens, and the atrium can significantly enhance the attractiveness of the front of house, serving not just a functional role but also showcasing the establishment's prestige and the power dynamics within historical settings.