Overview

Auditorium space types are areas for large meetings, presentations, and performances. Auditorium space type facilities may include assembly halls, exhibit halls, auditoriums, and theaters. Auditorium space types do not include such features as sound reinforcement systems, audiovisual systems and projection screens, food service facilities, proscenium stages with heights greater than 50'' 0" or fly gallery, orchestra pits, revolving or hydraulic stage platforms, flying balconies, movable seating, or billboard systems.

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Space Attributes

Auditorium spaces are designed to accommodate large audiences. As such, they tend to have wide spans and are multiple-stories high in order to accommodate seating, sightlines, and acoustical requirements. Raised stage/dais floors and special lighting equipment are often required as well. Typical features of Auditorium space types include the list of applicable design objectives elements as outlined below. For a complete list and definitions of the design objectives within the context of whole building design, click on the titles below.

• Sloped Floors: Sloped floors, with level terraces for each row of seating, help provide the proper sightlines from the audience to the stage. Note that the bottom and intermediate rows should be directly accessible from entry levels to allow for Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities (ADAAG) compliant accessible seating positions. See also WBDG Accessible.
• Fixed Seats: Typically, fixed seats with tilting upholstered seat and back, integral arm and tablet arm are provided with articulated back for maximum occupant passage space between rows. The seats may be fully upholstered or wood contoured outer back and seat shells with wood armrests with tablet arm option and aisle light option at row ends. Seat number/row letters should be Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant. Wheelchair access option-removable seats in sections of two and accessible end chairs for mobility limited occupants should be provided. See also WBDG Accessible.

Building codes will provide auditorium seating layout and clearance requirements.

• Special Lighting: Dramatic lighting systems include front lighting, foot lighting, spot lights, follow spot lights, beam lights, and flood lights, and a projection room/booth with manual and programmable lighting controls, and space for the spot light operator. Lighting systems should be flexible to accommodate various performance venues (e.g., lectures, plays, musical performances, etc.) in the Auditorium. See also WBDG Electric Lighting Controls.
• Occupancy: Occupancy Group Classification is Assembly A1 or A3 as per IBC, with sprinkler protected construction, and GSA Acoustical Class A space requiring special acoustical design. See also WBDG Secure / Safe'Fire Protection.

• Special Acoustical Design: Quality acoustical characteristics are important in Auditorium spaces so that performances and presentations can be clearly heard and understood. For performance spaces and general presentation spaces, recommended noise criteria (NC) rating ranges from NC'20 to NC'30; recommended sound transmission class (STC) rating ranges from STC 40 to STC 50. Strategies to achieve the recommended NC and STC ranges include, for example: Type II vinyl wall covering and fabric covered acoustical wall panels for the interior wall finish in the auditorium; Type II vinyl wall covering for the stage area; Type II vinyl wall coverings for 1/3 of the front of the orchestra (audience) sidewalls and fabric covered acoustical panels for 2/3 of the back of the orchestra (audience) sidewalls; fabric covered acoustical panels for rear walls; and a plaster and plywood combination'because of their reverberation characteristics'for the ceiling. For more information, see WBDG Productive'Provide Comfortable Environments and Acoustic Comfort.

The Auditorium Giovanni Agnelli in Turin, Italy has variable ceiling height according to acoustic needs.
Photo Credits: Centro Congressi Lingotto

• Increased Cooling Capacity: Heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems for Auditorium spaces are sized and zoned to accommodate varying internal loads, which are a function of audience sizes, performance lighting loads, and projection equipment. Particularly, air handling units (AHUs) with increased cooling capacity should be zoned separately for the auditorium, lobby, projection spaces, stage areas, and audience seating areas. Also, the Auditorium typically has a separate AHU constant volume with modulated temperature control for ventilation. For more information, see WBDG High-Performance HVAC.
• Materials and Finishes: Use materials and finishes that meet sustainability requirements for Low or No-VOC as well as durability and low maintenance. Coordinate maintenance and replacements with sustainable O&M practices to ensure an overall healthy environment.
• Raised Floor: The recommended system for distribution of HVAC in auditorium spaces is ducted supply through floor vents with ducted ceiling return air vents in auditorium and lobby. In other spaces, ducted ceiling supply with return air ceiling plenum is recommended. Note that there should be transfer ducts at all acoustically rated partitions.

The historic Baldwin Auditorium at Duke University underwent renovations while incorporating significant sustainable design features and strategies such as energy and water efficiency, indoor air quality, and resource management, earning Silver Certification under the LEED' for New Construction 2.2 Rating System. Pfeiffer Partners Architects.
Photo Credit: Duke University

• Fire and Life Safety: Proper notification systems, lighting, and signage are required to facilitate safe and speedy evacuations during regular events or an emergency in Auditorium spaces. Step lights recessed into floor risers at each seating tier and wall mounted low light level sconce lights along side walls are typical. Sprinklers should be provided per code and under stage platforms to suppress fires. Materials used should be non-combustible. Regular inspections should also be conducted and documented in order to prevent safety hazards. Plan for secure areas in and around the auditorium including unused parts of the building; separating audience from performers; and keeping unauthorized people from stage and catwalk areas. Staff should be trained in crowd management, First Aid, and Accessibility in order to support performers and audience needs and maintain a safe environment. See also WBDG Secure / Safe'Occupant Safety and Health and Secure / Safe'Fire Protection.

Example Program

The following building program is representative of Auditorium space types.

Auditorium

Description
Tenant Occupiable Areas Qty. SF Each Space Req'd. Sum Actual SF Tenant Usable Factor Tenant USF Entrance       2,096         Lobby 1 1,500 1,500           Entrance Vestibules 1 96 96           Coat Check 1 150 150           Retail Area 1 200 200           Media Library 1 150 150       Main Auditorium       4,800         Seating (300 seats) 1 3,600 3,600           Stage 1 1,200 1,200       Support Spaces       1,300         Projection/Control Room 1 300 300           Equipment Storage 1 300 300           Rear Projection Room 1 400 400           Public Toilets (Male 1 120 120           Public Toilets (Female) 1 180 180           Tenant Suite     8,196 8,196 1.14 9,375 Tenant Usable Areas           18,750

Example Plans

The following diagram is representative of typical tenant plans.

Example Construction Criteria

For GSA, the unit costs for Auditorium space types are based on the construction quality and design features in the following table . This information is based on GSA's benchmark interpretation and could be different for other owners.

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Relevant Codes and Standards

The following agencies and organizations have developed codes and standards affecting the design of Auditoriums. Note that the codes and standards are minimum requirements. Architects, engineers, and consultants should consider exceeding the applicable requirements whenever possible.

Additional Resources

Organizations and Associations

• Acoustical Society of America (ASA)'The Society is primarily a voluntary organization and attracts the interest, commitment, and service of a large number of professionals. Their contributions in the formation, guidance, administration, and development of the ASA are largely responsible for its world-wide preeminence in the field of acoustics.
• Institute of Noise Control Engineering'The Institute of Noise Control Engineering of the USA (INCE/USA) is a non-profit professional organization incorporated in Washington, DC. A primary purpose of the Institute is to promote engineering solutions to environmental noise problems.

Publications

Auditorium seats are seats that are generally used in places and event areas where many people sit, such as conference halls, theaters, cinemas, school halls. Auditorium hall dimensions are important both for the comfort of the people sitting and for the efficient use of the space. In addition, making good calculations during the auditorium seating project provides both cost advantage and ensures that your project is implemented at maximum efficiency.

Auditorium Hall Dimensions

Planning an auditorium hall can be quite an adventure, especially when it comes to figuring out the right dimensions. From personal experience, I can tell you that getting the dimensions right is key to creating a space that's both functional and comfortable. Let's dive into the details of auditorium dimensions for various seating capacities, shall we?

Auditorium Seating Projects

There are many details you need to take into account in auditorium hall projects. Capacity of the hall, number of seats, width of the seats, ramps and slopes' So, in general terms, what are the sample dimensions for auditorium seating plans with a capacity of 100, 150, 500, seats?

Seat Auditorium Dimensions

Creating an auditorium for seats requires thoughtful planning. Typically, you'll need to allocate about 10-12 square feet (0.9-1.1 square meters) per seat to ensure ample space for aisles and accessibility. So, you're looking at a floor area of around 10,000 to 12,000 square feet (930 to 1,115 square meters). This doesn't even include the stage, backstage areas, or additional facilities like restrooms and lobbies.

Have you ever sat in an auditorium where the seats were too cramped? It's not a pleasant experience, is it? To avoid this, make sure your seating rows are spaced at least 36 inches (91 centimeters) apart. This will give attendees enough legroom to feel comfortable.

Seat Auditorium Dimensions

A seat auditorium needs even more space. You'll want at least 15,000 to 18,000 square feet (1,400 to 1,670 square meters) to accommodate everyone comfortably. The additional seating also means you'll need wider aisles and more exits to comply with safety regulations. I've been to events where navigating through the crowd was a nightmare, so trust me, wide aisles are your friend!

As for the stage, it should be proportionate to the audience size. A good rule of thumb is a stage that's about 60 feet wide and 30 feet deep (18 meters by 9 meters). This allows for a range of performances, from lectures to large theatrical productions.

150 Seat Auditorium Dimensions

Smaller auditoriums, like one with 150 seats, still need careful planning. You'll need about to square feet (140 to 165 square meters) for the seating area. These smaller spaces can feel quite cozy, which is great for more intimate events.

I think of these smaller venues like the little coffee shop concerts ' you're close to the action, and every seat feels like a front-row seat. To maintain that intimate feel without compromising comfort, ensure there's at least 32 inches (81 centimeters) between rows.

300 Seat Auditorium Dimensions

For a 300 seat auditorium, aim for around to square feet (280 to 335 square meters). This size is perfect for medium-sized events such as community theater productions, lectures, or film screenings. If you've ever felt like the space in an auditorium was too vast for the number of people, you'll appreciate the balance in a 300 seat venue.

A stage of about 40 feet wide and 20 feet deep (12 meters by 6 meters) works well for this size, providing enough space for a variety of events without overwhelming the audience.

250 Seat Auditorium Dimensions

A 250 seat auditorium strikes a good balance between intimacy and capacity. You'll need around to square feet (230 to 280 square meters). This size is ideal for educational lectures, corporate events, and smaller performances.

Picture yourself at a local TEDx event ' you're close enough to feel engaged with the speaker, but the room isn't so small that it feels crowded. Keep the seating rows around 30 inches (76 centimeters) apart to ensure comfort.

200 Seat Auditorium Dimensions

For 200 seats, you'll want approximately to square feet (185 to 225 square meters). These spaces are fantastic for local events, small theater productions, and community meetings.

Ever been to a school assembly or a small town hall meeting? That's the kind of environment you're aiming for here. Keep the stage around 30 feet wide and 15 feet deep (9 meters by 4.5 meters) to suit various types of presentations and performances.

100 Seat Auditorium Dimensions

Finally, a 100 seat auditorium is perfect for very intimate gatherings. You'll need about to square feet (90 to 110 square meters). This size is excellent for workshops, small performances, or even private film screenings.

Think of it like your favorite indie movie theater ' cozy and personal. Ensure the seating rows are about 28 inches (71 centimeters) apart for maximum comfort.

In conclusion, whether you're designing a large auditorium or a small one, it's crucial to get the dimensions right. I always imagine myself as a member of the audience when planning these spaces ' it helps to ensure that every detail enhances the overall experience. Remember, a well-designed auditorium can make any event feel special and memorable.

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