Lobbies and stairways in the Chestnut Street Theatre proved very difficult to establish in both the museum and computer models of the theatre. For the most part, the arrangement was developed based on five key factors:
- Stairways shown in the Nisbet/Darley plan (for location).
- The number of treads shown in stairways on the Nisbet/Darley plan (for elevation).
- The average height of stair risers found in Georgian public buildings -- roughly 7.25 to 8 inches.*
- The vertical placement of windows in the Nisbet/Darley elevation.
- Overhead clearances found in Georgian theatre architecture.
Lobbies and the stairways which link them are illustrated in this study by five drawings.
- The relationship between the placement of windows (fenestration) and the location of lobby floors.
- The stairs to the pit, and the pit lobby and passageway .
- The main lobby.
- Stairs leading up to the gallery; and the stairway in the west wing vestibule which leads to the "slips" or top gallery.
|
