Hallway

Hallways must be sufficiently wide to ensure buildings can be evacuated during a fire, and to allow people in wheelchairs to navigate them. The minimum width of a hallway is governed by building codes. The minimum width of hallways in residences of the United States is 36 inches (910 mm). Hallways are wider in higher-traffic settings, such as schools and hospitals.

History

Prior to the 16th century, European aristocratic houses had a few great rooms used interchangeably as bedrooms, living rooms, and dining rooms. People walked through private spaces at any time. In 1597, John Thorpe was the first recorded architect to replace multiple connected rooms with rooms along a hallway, each accessed by a separate door.

The corridor allowed rooms to be reached without passing through neighboring spaces, still uncommon enough to need explanation in the 18th century. By the Victorian era, corridors divided space between family and servants.