Double lobby

[lyledunn]

On a set of plans for the refurbishment of a large bar area in a hotel, the architect has shown two double emergency escape doors, a small lobby then another set of double emergency doors and has noted on the plan "double lobbied to accommodate 500". There are no other doors off the lobby. The purpose of a lobby might be manyfold including aggregating the fire rating of the doors but can any one suggest what the intention might be?
The arrangement provides a route from the bar in to another lounge and thence to the final exits. The walls in which these doors are set are not required to be compartment walls.

[nearlythere]

The mysterious ways of some architects can be very mysterious. A mystery to be sure.

[Phoenix]

I would suggest that the architect has got the wrong end of the stick somewhere.  Put him right and save them a few quid. 

Mind you, it could be for sound attenuation if there are houses around.  Or for weather protection if it's on top of a mountain.

[G. N. Hamilton]

Sounds like there's no fire specific reason for the doors. Unless there some form of progressive horizontal evacuation proposed...??

[col10]

What he means is "double (lobbied) to accommodate 500."  The intention is to have enough exit width for 500.
500 people need 2500mm exit width (assuming 5mm per person) so what he is trying to say is two number double doors .
If it was double lobbied then you would have to go through three doors in order to pass through two lobbies.

[Mr. P]

The 'intention' should be extricated from the design team/architect. That is to say, don't try to second guess what someone else is thinking. Unless of course you are waiting to buy the next round when the Todmeister's will obviously be a Talisker,... won't it M'Lud?