Kiosk
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
There are several different uses for the term kiosk. The original meaning is associated with a light, open pavilion with pillars. These structures were commonly found in Turkey and Iran and were later adapted in Europe, where they made their way into gardens (as gazebos) or parks (as bandstands).
[edit] History
The early kiosks were introduced during the Seljuk Empire (from approximately 1000). Originally, the kiosk served as a small building with open arches. These were sometimes attached to larger mosques. These structures grew in size and significance over the years. They gradually became opulent, open sided retreats for Turkish rulers. This novel building type was adopted by various heads of state throughout Europe in the late 1600s.
[edit] Sales kiosks
In modern times, the term kiosk is used to describe small shops selling newspapers, food or other products or services. They tend to be limited in terms of space, only suitable for one or two people to stand inside.
Kiosks are sometimes permanent, but they can also be temporary, stand alone booths for sales and marketing purposes. Their location is usually determined by the level of pedestrian traffic that tends to pass through an area.
[edit] Unstaffed kiosks
The earliest unstaffed kiosks appeared in the 1970s. Created by a university student named Murray Lappe, they allowed users to find general information (such as courses, campus maps, telephone directories, bus schedules and so on).
'Self-service' kiosks may include low-tech guidance in the form of photographs, takeaway flyers or written explanations (as in museums or parks), or more recently, digital information shown on screens. Early self-serve kiosks often looked like telephone booths.
Modern interactive kiosks can offer information, but they can also generate tickets, provide directions, assist with customer service inquiries, initiate employment applications, dispense money, pay bills, purchase postage and so on. Some catering outlets use interactive kiosks to take customer orders.
Interactive medical kiosks are being placed in hospitals and other medical facilities so clients can update personal information, make and check in for appointments and conduct basic wellness checks.
Other types of kiosks include:
- Internet access kiosk.
- Visitor management and security kiosk.
- Building directory and wayfinding kiosk.
- Library kiosk.
- Travel check in kiosk.
- Catalog shopping kiosk.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Getting the most out of heating systems and heat pumps
How heat pumps work and how they work best.
Plumbing and heating for successful retrofit and renovation
Low temperature underfloor systems and heat pumps.
Cost-of-living crisis and home improvement plans
Starting on the right footing and top tips for projects.
Delays on construction projects
Types, mitigation and the acceleration of works.
From Chaucer to Fawlty Towers.
Electrotechnical excellence, now open for entries.
Net zero electricity grids BSRIA guide NZG 5/2024
Outlining the changes needed to transition to net zero.
CIOB Global Student Challenge 2024
Universitas Indonesia wins for second year running.
New project and cultural district described in detail.
The nature of EPCs, crticism and inaccuracies.
History, issues and redesign.
From waste recycling to energy performance the hierchy.
An introduction to WERCS and WEEE responsibilities
Dealing with 2 million tonnes of waste equipment a year.
Global BACS Market: analytics and optimisation
A BSRIA glance at building automation and control systems.
What it is and how to use it.
Types of insulating plaster by binder and insulant.
Investors in People: CIOB achieves gold
Reflecting a commitment to employees and members.
Scratching beneath the surface; a guide to selection.
ECA 2024 Apprentice of the Year Award
Entries open for submission until May 31.
UK gov apprenticeship funding from April 2024
Brief summary the policy paper updated in March.