9020%6 ‘Seating capacity and space requirements - Independent Cinema Ofice Independent Cinema Office Se Floor, Kenworth House, 79-80 Margaret Street, London WW BTA 020 7636 7120 F: 020 76367121 E infoBindependenienenafice org.uk Rogjstred In England and Wales. Company 5368183. 160 is a registered chanty No. 1109083, You are here: Home > Advice & Info > How to starta cinema > Chapter 6: Building design > Seating capacity and space requirements > Seating capacity and space requirements The amount of space required for each auditorium depends on a number of factors but the figures below provide an approximate guide. The calculations are based on a modem design using 1.10-1.20 metres from seat back to seat back and 550 — 600mm seat widths. ‘+ 200 seats: 270m#/2,900 12 ‘+ 150 seats: 190m#/2,000 1t2 #75 seats: 125 mé/ 1,350 f2 The number of screens and the auditorium capacity depend on many factors ranging from audience potential estimates andthe Auditorium at Derby QUAD programming range thatis planned to the finance available and the characteristics and size of the site or building. In general one medium or large auditorium seating atleast 150 people is required. A more typical capacity is around 200-230 seats. This auditorium should be able to accommodate the peak audiences at weekends — people turned away from a full house may not return. Additional auditoria should be graduated in size down to 70-100 seats for the smallest screen. The variation in capacity allows films to be placed in auditoria that match their anticipated audience. ‘Smaller capacity auditoria may prove to be viable as oullined in the section about Digital cinemas, There are a few new community cinemas beginning to buck the trend as cities gain small single screening rooms with unusual or luxury seating. Itis, however, advisable to carefully investigate the operational economics of operating such small auditoria before including them in a new design ora refurbishment project ip hwwrindopendonteinomaoice org ukrescurcesthow-to slr ocal-cinemablding-designseaing capacity w