Ventilation Shaft
A vertical passage for fresh air and stale air removal in mines, tunnels, and tall buildings.
In subterranean civil engineering, ventilation shafts, also known as airshafts or vent shafts, are vertical passages used in mines and tunnels to move fresh air underground, and to remove stale air. In architecture, an airshaft, also known as a lightwell, is typically a small, vertical space within a tall building which permits ventilation of the building's interior spaces to the outside. The floor plan of a building with an airshaft is often described as a 'square donut' shape. Alternatively, an airshaft may be formed between two adjacent buildings. Windows on the interior side of the donut allow air from the building to be exhausted into the shaft, and, depending on the height and width of the shaft, may also allow extra sunlight inside.
- Primary Franchise
- Metal Gear
- Gameplay Function
- Stealth Traversal
- Typical Location
- Above ceilings or below floors of secure facilities
- Player Action
- Crawl through narrow openings
- Risk Factor
- Dust accumulation, limited visibility, detection by guards if exposed
Lore & Background
In subterranean civil engineering, ventilation shafts are vertical passages used in mines and tunnels to move fresh air underground and to remove stale air. In architecture, an airshaft (also known as a lightwell) is typically a small, vertical space within a tall building that permits ventilation of the building's interior spaces to the outside. The floor plan of a building with an airshaft is often described as a 'square donut' shape. Alternatively, an airshaft may be formed between two adjacent buildings. Windows on the interior side of the donut allow air from the building to be exhausted into the shaft, and, depending on the height and width of the shaft, may also allow extra sunlight inside.
In Their Own Story
The source does not provide a narrative story. It only describes the engineering and architectural functions of ventilation shafts and airshafts.
Reader's Guide
In subterranean civil engineering, ventilation shafts are vertical passages used in mines and tunnels to move fresh air underground and to remove stale air. In architecture, an airshaft (also known as a lightwell) is typically a small, vertical space within a tall building that permits ventilation of the building's interior spaces to the outside. The floor plan of a building with an airshaft is often described as a 'square donut' shape. Alternatively, an airshaft may be formed between two adjacent buildings. Windows on the interior side of the donut allow air from the building to be exhausted into the shaft, and, depending on the height and width of the shaft, may also allow extra sunlight inside.
Did You Know?
- Ventilation shafts are also known as airshafts or vent shafts in subterranean civil engineering.
- In architecture, an airshaft is also known as a lightwell.
- The floor plan of a building with an airshaft is often described as a 'square donut' shape.
- An airshaft may be formed between two adjacent buildings.
- Windows on the interior side of the donut allow air from the building to be exhausted into the shaft, and may also allow extra sunlight inside, depending on the height and width of the shaft.
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