When it comes to planning a lecture room there are several different configurations the seating can be arranged in. Positioning lecture chairs in straight rows will usually allow maximum capacity in the available space but if fitting in as many seats as possible isn’t the main priority then there are a number of different seating arrangements you can consider. Before deciding on a seating layout you need to understand who will be using the space and what their requirements are: Will a lecturer stand at the front and present information with no requirement for interaction from students? Will there be a need for students to break off for group work during a lecture? Will there be a requirement for students to interact with the lecturer? Answers to questions like these can help determine which seating layout would work best.
Layout patterns for Lecture Chairs
Theatre / Classroom
This layout is still the most popular in universities across the UK but there are a few variations on this theme. In a theatre layout seats are positioned in rows with all seats facing the front of the room. Access is via aisles either down the centre and/or at the each end of the rows. A theatre layout doesn’t always have to be in straight rows however; seats can be in angled or curved rows.
Lecture chairs can stand alone or incorporate fixed writing desks or fold-away writing tablets – the most appropriate option will be determined by the subjects being taught and the requirement for note-taking or the use of laptops and other devices during the lectures.
 |
| Three different lecture theatres with lecture chairs positioned in straight, angled and curved rows |
Boardroom
With a boardroom set-up, chairs are positioned around a large central table. To accommodate more seats several tables can be positioned together as shown in the image below. This layout is best for smaller teaching groups and facilitates group discussion and interaction.
 |
| lecture chairs positioned around tables configured in a large
rectangular shape |
Conference
This seating configuration is again suitable for smaller teaching groups and is ideal for situations where the lecturer needs to regularly interact with students. Tables are positioned in a U-shape with seating running along the outside. This leaves a large central area where the lecturer can present from.
 |
| lecture chairs positioned around tables arranged in a u-shape |
It’s also possible to use this configuration in larger lecture theatres with tiered seating which incorporates fixed writing desks.
We’ve looked at some of the most common layouts for lecture rooms to give some ideas on options when planning the configuration of teaching spaces. The size of your lecture room and the number of students it needs to accommodate will also influence the seating layout. Loose lecture chairs used in the boardroom and conference layouts shown above usually work best in smaller classroom type settings. For larger lecture theatres with a tiered floor, fixed lecture chairs are a more appropriate option.
Evertaut is a leading UK manufacturer of lecture chairs. The company offers a complete service from design to installation and offers a free space planning service.
