Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: Seating arrangement

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Posted by Mike Blakesley (Member # 26) on 10-15-2001, 09:25 PM:

We are getting ready to put new seats in our theatre. I'm working on the auditorium design and would like to ask an opinion here...

Currently there are two aisles and three sections of seats. Three seats on each side near the walls, and the center section is 6 seats wide.

I'm thinking about changing it to a "continental" design (all seats in one section in the middle) thereby placing the aisles next to the wall.

Is this a good idea? I know it is from the standpoint of sightlines (people comign up the aisle won't be walking in front of seated people), but I'm wondering if the public will mutiny on me.

The auditorium is not very big (35 feet wide) so we would have, at most, 11 or 12 seats across. Also we're in a small town, so we're not sold-out that often to where people will have to scramble across other people to get out of their rows every time.

Anybody got any thoughts on this?

Posted by Darryl Spicer (Member # 711) on 10-16-2001, 12:14 AM:

since it is a small theater I would go for the aisles against the wall and have all the seats in the middle....I would also look at seat spacing for comfort....If the auditorium is stereo this will give the audience a better sound presentation with all the seats in the middle.....

Posted by Dustin Mitchell (Member # 372) on 10-16-2001, 01:06 AM:

Eight of our twelve theatres have the three section seating you mention Mike. The middle sections are all 12 seats wide and there are no major problems with seating and exiting during the show.

Posted by Dennis Atkinson (Member # 345) on 10-16-2001, 06:00 AM:

I guess a deciding factor would be which style is easier to clean and maintain.

Dennis

Posted by Jerry Chase (Member # 660) on 10-16-2001, 09:30 AM:

There is no law that seating has to be symmetrical. Consider having one side a wall aisle and the other with two or three seats before the aisle. If customers don't like one style of seating, they can sit on the other side of the auditorium.

Posted by John Pytlak (Member # 331) on 10-16-2001, 09:42 AM:

Check your local building codes, to see the maximum number of seats allowed per row between aisles.

If you feel 12 across is too many, take a cue from the seating in a jumbo jet --- a pair of seats in each row on the outside, with the remainder in the center section. Many couples might enjoy having the pair of seats to themselves, even along the side wall, if it means not having to jump up every time someone comes in or out of the row.

I agree that choosing wide, comfortable seats (with cupholders) and lots of leg room offers many of the advantages of "stadium seating" without the expense and hassles.

------------------
John P. Pytlak, Senior Technical Specialist
Worldwide Technical Services, Entertainment Imaging
Research Labs, Building 69, Room 7525A
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Posted by Bob Maar (Member # 763) on 10-16-2001, 11:24 AM:

I agree with John, I have always opted to sit in the side sections with just two seats. especially in a narrow auditorium. Be shure to stagger seats in center section for the best sight line.

Back to back spacing should be a minimum spacing if backs are fixed more if they recline (38") or rock (42").

Also consider the chair widths. they run from 20" up to 26".

Posted by Mike Blakesley (Member # 26) on 10-16-2001, 11:28 AM:

Darryl - That stereo separation issue is another advantage I'd thought of. Another reason I want to do it this way.

Jerry - I had thought of possibly doing only one aisle against the wall, but that wouldn't work too well in this situation because there are two "hallways" that lead into the auditorium, so I'd like to have it the same on both sides.

John - Already checked with the building codes and insurance people, no problem there. The issue of people wanting to have their own "group" of seats is the only thing holding me back on this. We already have good spacing between rows and the new seats will definitely be deluxe, cupholder, raising-armrest models.

Thanks all for your opinions. The decision-making process continues...

Posted by John Pytlak (Member # 331) on 10-16-2001, 11:37 AM:

The pairs of seats along the side walls also lends itself to "group" activities -- two couples can sit in adjacent rows to socialize before the show, or parents can sit behind their younger children to supervise them.

Posted by Ian Price (Member # 14) on 10-16-2001, 01:23 PM:

I am a firm beliver in Continental style seating. Just be sure that there is sufficient spacing between rows so that the average size person doesn't have to stand to allow another person to pass.

Posted by Richard C. Wolfe (Member # 431) on 10-16-2001, 11:16 PM:

Most of the state codes required that no one leaving their seat to get to an aisle should have to pass more then six seats. This is why most of the older theatres had no more then 14 seats per section. If you were sitting in the 7th seat in, you would have to pass six to one side, but seven to the other side. As long as you could get to an aisle passing six in one direction was good enough, but some code people felt that you shouldn'r pass more then six in either direction and therefore would not allow more then 13 seats across.

From a code standpoint, your theatre is no wider then the usual center section, and would not be an inconvenience for patrons to get in or out, especially if you leave sufficient room between rows. I believe as others have said that having the two aisles along the wall would be the best in the long run... keeping everyone seated in front of the screen, everyone walking along the sides out of view, and everyone further away from the side speakers which will enhance the surround sound. I changed one of my narrow theatres to side aisles and the patrons really liked the change... not one person ever complained about that change.