Search the Design+Encyclopedia:

Phone Booth


From Design+Encyclopedia, the free encyclopedia on good design, art, architecture, creativity, engineering and innovation.
388917
Phone Booth

A phone booth is a small, enclosed structure designed for individuals to make phone calls in privacy. Phone booths were once a common sight on street corners and in public places, but with the advent of mobile phones, they have become less prevalent. However, phone booths still exist in some areas, particularly in urban centers, where they are used by people who do not have access to a mobile phone or who need to make a private call. Phone booths are typically made of metal or fiberglass and are designed to be weather-resistant. They are often equipped with a payphone, although some may have a touch-screen interface or other modern features. The interior of a phone booth is usually small and cramped, with just enough room for one person to stand or sit while making a call. One of the key features of a phone booth is its privacy. The enclosed structure allows the user to make a call without being overheard by others, which can be important for personal or business reasons. Phone booths are also often used in emergency situations, as they provide a secure location for someone to call for help. Despite their declining popularity, phone booths remain an important part of the urban landscape. They are often featured in popular culture, appearing in movies, TV shows, and music videos. Phone booths have become a symbol of a bygone era, when communication was less instantaneous and people had to rely on public infrastructure to stay in touch.

Phone booth, privacy, payphone, emergency, urban landscape

Andrew Nelson

CITATION : "Andrew Nelson. 'Phone Booth.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/?E=388917 (Accessed on June 25, 2025)"

178651
Phone Booth

A phone booth is an enclosed public space designed for individuals to make phone calls in private. It is a common feature of anime, comics, and manga, used to depict a man-made location or structure. Typically, phone booths are depicted as small, four-walled cubicles with a telephone inside and a small-paned window in the upper half of one of the walls. Outside the booth is usually an open area with a payphone, where people can wait while someone else is inside. The phone booth can be used to indicate a moment of private contemplation, to emphasize a person's loneliness or isolation, or to allow a character to make an important decision away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Phone booth, public telephone booth, telephone kiosk, booth, calling, payphone, communication, privacy, telephone, scene.

Taro Yamada


Phone Booth Definition
Phone Booth on Design+Encyclopedia

We have 216.545 Topics and 472.615 Entries and Phone Booth has 2 entries on Design+Encyclopedia. Design+Encyclopedia is a free encyclopedia, written collaboratively by designers, creators, artists, innovators and architects. Become a contributor and expand our knowledge on Phone Booth today.