Key Lecture Theatre Seating Design Considerations


Lecture theatres differ from classrooms in that they usually feature tiered or sloped flooring which facilitates better sightlines for students. This auditorium style design allows each row of students to see over the head of the students in front of them, so they are able to see the lecturer and any material being presented to them. A lecture theatre with tiered seating is suitable for teaching large numbers of students whilst a classroom with seats on a level floor is more suited to groups of 30 or less.

When designing a new lecture theatre there are several key elements which need to be considered to ensure it provides the best learning environment for students –tiered flooring, seating, desks, sightlines, ventilation, lighting, acoustics, audio-visual equipment – the list goes on!

The first 4 items on this list go hand-in-hand and it will usually be your lecture theatre seating supplier who takes care of these elements. Here we take a look at the key lecture theatre seating design considerations to help you choose the right supplier and the best seating solution.

Tiered flooring

A new lecture theatre will usually be designed to the relevant proportions that can accommodate the required number of students. The tiered floor structure and seating plan will often be drawn up by your architect but this is also something many lecture theatre seating suppliers can do for you. 

The tiered floor structure will need to comply with relevant standards to ensure it is structurally sound and able to accommodate the required load bearing. It will also need to incorporate all the required under-floor services and ventilation. 

The layout of the flooring will obviously determine the layout of the seating so you need to consider whether this will work best in straight or curved rows. In very large lecture theatres, curved rows can usually provide better sightlines and prevent the need for students to sit at an angle in their seats. Tiers also need to be of sufficient height to ensure that sightlines are clear from obstruction.

Seating Plan

It’s critical the seating layout complies with current legislation with the required number of aisles, walkways and spacing in line with the quantity of seats per row – your architect or supplier should be fully conversant with the relevant fire and safety regulations in relation to this. You also need to allow access and space for wheelchair users. 

Seating Style

There are various lecture theatre seating styles available from simple, flat back and square seat designs to stylish, contoured seats with design detailing. The overall style you want to create and your available budget will help determine what options are available to you. 

Regardless of seating design, the fabric colours you choose will have a big impact on the look and feel of the lecture theatre. Bright colours can be stimulating, pale colours – calming, dark colours – studious. There are a wide range of fabrics available but it’s important to choose a hard-wearing contract fabric that is suitable for high frequency usage in demanding environments.

Workspace & Desks

There are two common styles of lecture theatre seat and desk combinations and you need to consider what’s most suitable for the subjects that will be taught in the lecture theatre. Essentially this will be determined by how much equipment students will need to use and how much space this might take up.

1. Seats with individual fixed or flip up writing tablets – suitable for note taking or laptops.

Neutral Colour Lecture Theatre Seats Incorporating Flip-Up Writing Tablets In A University Lecture Theatre

2. Seats with rows of fixed lengths of desking – suitable for use of multiple tech, books, note taking and collaboration.

Lecture Theatre Seats In Contrasting Shades Of Pink And Purple With Rows Of Fixed Desks In A University Lecture Theatre

There are also some modern alternatives such as turn and learn style chairs – individual seats which rotate 360 degrees allowing students to fully turn to collaborate with those sat behind them. Some universities have also trialled layouts with extra wide tiers which can accommodate seats and desks – essentially a traditional classroom set-up in an auditorium style.

Comfort

Whatever style of seating you opt for, it’s vital that it is comfortable when sitting for long periods of time – you want students to focus on what’s being taught, not on their discomfort which can be a huge distraction. Most reputable suppliers will be able to supply a sample seat for you to try out before committing to an order.

About Evertaut

Evertaut is a leading supplier of lecture theatre seating to UK universities, working with architects, contractors and clients to help deliver inspiring learning environments for students.



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