Auditorium Seating

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What is Auditorium Seating?

Auditorium Seating is a style of commonly used event layout, comprised of chairs aligned in consecutive straight rows, generally facing a single direction. It is sometimes called stadium seating. According to material, auditorium seating can be divided into four categories: plastic, wooden, fabric and stainless.

How to choose the best seating for your auditorium?

The type of seating used in auditorium venues such as performing arts centers, universities, theatres, and religious sites is very important. It is important to consider that auditoriums are where people come to learn, enjoy a performance or work on projects. If they are sitting comfortably, they can be far more engaged and motivated. On the other hand, if they are sitting uncomfortably, they are likely become distracted or less focused. Here are some key factors when choosing the right seating for your auditorium.

1. Comfort

As mentioned, people who are sitting comfortably will be more engaged and focuses on whatever they are watching and hearing. So, a quality seating that offers high levels of comfort and support is needed. Nowadays, many auditorium seating come in variety of upholstered styles, with cushioning to maximize the levels of comfort. This will help ensure the users can sit comfortably throughout the performance, lecture, or meeting. Comfortable seating can also help support good posture and avoid conditions like back pain or neck pain.

2. Durability

Durability is another important factor in choosing the best seating for your auditorium. Auditorium seating is often daily use, so it must be made from strong materials and able to withstand the constant pressure. If you choose poor quality seating, you may need to replace damaged or worn seats regularly. So, quality sears made from durable material is a must, plus you can save money in long-run.

3. Style

The appearance of the seating also has to be considered. There is an extensive range of modern seating that can add to the overall style of your auditorium and improve the visual appeal. For example, many theatres tend to have premium plush seats in eye-catching shades of ruby or plum. So, make sure you choose the one that will complement the existing style of your venue.

4. Versatility

Many auditorium venues are multi-use spaces, so seating that allows a certain degree of versatility is highly recommended. For example, religious buildings often host a variety of different events and activities in the community. Therefore, the seating must be flexible and can be adapted to meet the needs of all guests.

5. Accessibility

Accessibility is another important element to consider. In the market, there are seating that can be specially designed to ensure that people with disabilities can access your venue with ease. For example, some auditorium can install removable seating to create additional space for wheelchair.

How to clean auditorium seating

Auditoriums can be really cool places to be, given their purpose. Here are some tips to keeping the seating clean.

If the seating is made of leather, you can use a clean, soft cloth or neutral detergent wipe to gently wipe the surface of the seating. Remember do not rub hard. Then the surface can be brighter as new. If a term arising from dirt, the most ideal cleaning is a neutral cleaning agent. Use warm water diluted (1% to 3%) and wipe, then use the dry cloth wipe to clean the liquid water, and finally use dry cloth to polish.

If the surface of the Auditorium seating is stainless steel, you can apply a thin layer of vegetable oil and then dry it. Please don&#;t sue baking soda, bleaching powder, etc., as these are strong electrolytes. When it is contact with stainless steel, a chemical reaction will occur and will cause the surface of the stainless steel to rust.

Auditorium seating like wood should avoid placing beverages, chemicals or overheated objects on the surface, so as not to damage the natural color of the wooden surface.

Auditorium Seating Configurations

The configuration of the seating in your auditorium is a major factor in capacity, comfort, and the overall experience for your audience. There is a lot to consider when it comes to the seating configuration of your auditorium.

1. Stage Type

Understanding the stage type in the auditorium will help determine a general idea of the layout needed for the space function and comfort. There are several different types of stages, the most popular seen in auditoriums include Proscenium Stage, End Stage, Thrust Stage.

2. Types of Configurations

There are three types of seating configurations for auditorium, which are Straight Row, Continental Seating and Multiple Aisle Seating.

3. Sight Lines

Sight lines are the view from eye level to the focal point of the stage or screen. Obstructed sight lines equal a poor patron experience, so it&#;s important to consider the view from every seat in the house.

Sight lines rely on the focal point in many spaces. For a performance theater, audience need to be able to see the entire stage or screen. However, if the space is dedicated for speakers, like a place of worship, patrons will be more focused on the speakers&#; face and may not need to see the stage floor. When developing sight lines, be sure to understand the purpose of the space, and consult your seating provider if you need help.

4. Accessibility and safety

This means ensuring there are spaces to accommodate wheelchairs as well as several aisle-end seats with transfer (movable) arms. The number of wheelchair spaces is dependent on the capacity of the space. Safety is also a priority in all spaces. For auditoriums, this means an appropriate number of exits with easy access as well as assistive features like handrails and safe ranges for floor slope, aisle widths, and riser height. Please check the local authority for the requirement.

5. Clear Passage

Clear passage is the amount of space between the front of the chair to the back of the chair in front of it. It&#;s an important aspect of patron safety and comfort. This space can be calculated using formulas from the International Building Code (IBC).

Seating Terms to know before choosing the auditorium seating

1. Chair Envelope

It is the front to back dimension of an unoccupied chair. In chairs with self-rising seats, the envelope is measured with the seat in the &#;up&#; position. Accessories like cupholders can impact this dimension as the forward location is typically whichever component of the chair extends the mot into the row.

2. Clear Passage

It is the space between the front of the chair to the back of the chair in front of it. There is a minimum amount of clear passage required by code for safety, and additional clear passage increases patron comfort.

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3. Back-to-Back Spacing (Row Spacing)

It is the total space allocated for each row of chairs. It is the distance between the back of a chair to the back of the chair in front of it, and it&#;s the sum of the chair envelope and clear passage. Typically, this space is three feet (3.0&#;), but additional space may be necessary depending on accessories, the number of chairs per row, and access to aisles.

4. Back Pitch

It is the angle of recline of the back of the chair. The back pitch is measured in degrees from vertical, and generally ranges from 16° to 24° but the purpose of the space or position of the chair can impact the angle.

5. Back Height

It is the height from the floor to the top of the chair back. Traditionally, back height is 32 inches, however backs may be as high as 44 inches, depending on the needs of the space. For seating mounted on treads and risers, the back height is considered a rail by some code authorities.

6. Eye level

It is the distance from the floor to the eyes of a patron in an occupied seat. This measurement is specified at 44 inches above the level floor, and this is an average identified from ergonomic studies. Eye level is important for developing sight lines to the focal point of the stage or screen.

7. Seat width

It is the distance from center-of-arm to center-of-arm, which is the full width of the chair. The most common chair sizes range from 19 to 22 inches, but they may be narrower or wider depending on the chair.

8. Chair Size Line

It is a consistent point on the chair that is used by the draftsperson laying out the space. This point that measured along the run of a row is used by installation crews to determine the proper location of that row within the space.

9. Back or Chair Overhang

It is the distance a chair extends back from the chair size line. Back overhang is critical for eliminating interference with obstructions like risers, walls, support columns, or railings. When utilized properly, back overhang eliminates hazardous gaps behind rows of chairs installed on risers.

10. Row Length

It is the sum of the chair sizes plus an additional 2 &#; 6 inches of aisle end allowances. Accessories like cup holders on the armrests can add to this dimension.

Common Features and Options for Auditorium Seating

There are many different features and options for Auditorium Seating, and here are some of the features.

• Wood back
• Laminate Back
• Power/USB Power
• Tablets
• LED Aisle Lights
• Fabric Selection

In some cases, the additional features can put you into an altogether higher price point than you expected, so be reasonable when selecting the options and features that you want/need. You may find some options are &#;nice to have&#; while others are &#;must haves.&#;

There are three main price ranges for auditorium seating: low, medium and high. Each price range is for a base-level chair and as you add options and features. You can expect the price gradually increase. Therefore, it is a good idea to have a clear picture of what options are &#;nice to have&#; and which are &#;must haves&#;, so that you can make sure you are adhering to your budget.

Before designing a lecture hall or auditorium, there are several key questions that need to be addressed. Answering these questions will help you select the right fixed seating solution for your space.

As manufacturers of lecture hall and auditorium seating, we understand the importance of choosing a suitable furniture solution for your auditorium or lecture hall. In this article, we will discuss six key questions you need to answer before deciding on fixed tables or auditorium chairs.

6 Key Questions to Consider:

1. Is this New Construction or a Renovation?

   The first consideration is to understand whether your project is new construction or a renovation. If the space is a new construction, you can design it as needed for its intended purpose. A renovation on the other hand may have some limitations in terms of what can be modified or changed. Usually a renovation requires working within a tight budget so making large scale changes to the floor or the risers may not be practical.

2. What is Your Target Seat Count?

   In both cases, new construction or renovation, you will want to have an idea of what your target seat count is. Auditorium chairs generally take up less space, so room capacity can be higher. If you want a lecture hall type of setting and have less students but with more work surface space, fixed tables might be a great option.

3. How Will the Room be Used?

   Will students be in the room for a 50-minute lecture or a 4-hour class? Will the students have any books, tablets or laptops? Or will they be mostly listening and taking notes? Is collaboration between students important as part of the curriculum? Fixed tables with swing away seating provide a comfortable learning space with larger work surfaces for extended learning periods. They also allow students to work together collaboratively between rows. Auditorium seating and beam seating on the other hand, will be more appropriate for learning spaces where a higher seating capacity is required and where collaboration is not as important.

4. How Much Space Is Needed Between Students?

   This question again ties into how many seats you want in the room. Auditorium chairs usually need about 36&#; for front to back spacing and at least 20&#; on-center-spacing. Standard 18&#; fixed tables with attached swing away seating need about 42&#; front to back spacing at 27&#;-30&#; on-center-spacing. Fixed tables with loose chairs need 49&#; front to back per code. You can use these footprints to get a rough idea of how many seats you will be able to get into a room. Keep in mind that most manufacturers are willing to lay out the room per code and tell you what will fit.

5. Are Ergonomics and Comfort Important?

   Ergonomics and comfort will play a major role in your decision to go with fixed tables or auditorium chairs. More students will tolerate less comfortable seats and smaller work surface for a 50-minute class than a two- or four-hour seminar class. The length of classes/lectures will also inform you on what type of seating you select. The longer the class/lecture, the more comfortable you will want the seat to be. You will also want to make sure the type of chair can accommodate all the students&#; needs.

6. What is Your Budget?

   The last question that you will want to ask is how much money do you have to spend on the furnishings for the room? Try to get an idea on what the budget is per seat. This will help you avoid spending a lot of time evaluating solutions that may not fit into your budget. There are many options out there with many price points &#; understanding your budget will help you work through the buying process in the most efficient manner.

As you can see, there are several key things to consider when looking for the best solution for your space. Is the project new construction or a renovation? How many people will be using the room? How will the room be used? Spacing requirements? Are comfort and ergonomics important? Finally, what is your budget? A good manufacturer will be able to guide you and make sure you are addressing each of these key items along the way.

Sedia Systems is the leading global manufacturer of lecture hall and auditorium furniture. We offer the widest range of fixed seating for the education, corporate, healthcare, government, and public assembly markets.

If you are looking for a manufacturer for your next fixed seating project and have questions regarding a lecture hall solution, contact us directly or leave a comment below.

RELATED ARTICLES: How to Select the Right Lecture Hall Solution for Your Space, How to Choose the Right Auditorium Chair for Your Space, How to Choose an Auditorium Chair Based on your Budget

Want more information on Ergonomic auditorium chair design? Feel free to contact us.