Figure 11: Auditorium Seating Arrangements

Seating geometry: Seating is usually laid out in straight or curved rows focused towards the platform or stage. Further forms are the angled row, straight row with curved change of direction and straight rows within emphasized blocks of seats,

Number of seats in a row: With traditional seating the maximum number is 22 if there are gangways at both ends of the row, and 11 for gangways at one end.

Seating density :Seats with arms and tippable seats can occupy a space as small as 500 mm wide (less for seats without arms) with a row-to-row dimension of 760 mm, but can be as large as 750 mm wide by 1400 mm. The area per seat therefore varies between 0.38m2 and 3.05m2. Increased dimensions reduce seating capacity. Minimum dimensions as laid down by legislation offer a low standard of comfort and should not be taken as a norm, but the social cohesion of the audience may be lost if the standards are too high. In conference halls where writing space is required, lower densities are inevitable.

Sightlines for a seated audience should be uninterrupted by any overhangs or other peoples’ heads. The auditorium

Figure 11: Auditorium Seating Arrangements

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