Theater

Recreation and Entertainment MOVIE THEATERS

By BEN SCHLANGER, Architect

the success of any one production depends on its quality or unusual character . The new

Theater Consultant

systems

of

picture projection add a

dimension Design requirements for cinemas, including

auditory

and

visual

considerations

combined with showmanship and economy of structure, call for a type of building en-

tirely distinct from stage theaters. The success of a commercial cinema depends on its ability to present good films in an effective

manner,

affording the

maximum vol-

ume of patronage at admission prices that will insure an adequate profit . All patrons expect proper vision of the screen image, true reproduction of sound effects, and such

comforts as will enable them to give undivided attention to the presentation .

or

an

unusual

film, but they cannot

new

character

to

a

be depended upon

alone to draw the large patronage enjoyed in the era prior to home television . Technically, films

(70

the

mm),

larger

and

new

(such as Cinemascope) increase

wider

screens, optical

make

systems

possible

an

in the size of the audience that

can see the film at one time . The increasing competition has

made

of it

television,

home almost

however,

impossible

profit

to

the potentially larger audience . Re-

from

duced patronage and high film-production costs

have resulted in higher admission prices, which, in turn, tend to reduce further the size of the audience . It has only recently been

LOCATION

realized

that

there is a distinct advantage in having a

The location of the cinema site is determined by its accessibility, land costs, park-

relatively small audience with a maximum-

ing facilities, and potential patronage . Big

psychological effect that is thus created is that of "pic-

shopping centers have large parking areas

ture dominance," or an "at-the-scene feel-

that are generally unused in the evening,

ing"

and may therefore

tions, the picture practically fills the view-

be desirable locations

for motion picture theaters,

size

projected

for

the

picture .

viewer .

The

Under

these condi-

er's central range of vision (approximately 60 deg), and the distraction of the auditorium shell is greatly minimized .

SIZE

Two

distinct

Home television and new systems of mo-

theaters

tion picture projection have brought about

general

types

of

motion

picture

have now developed . First is the type of theater, catering to the

new criteria for determining optimum seat-

more popular taste in films and requiring

ing capacities for motion picture theaters .

capacities of from 600 to 1,500 seats . The

Home

larger

need

television for

the

has

greatly reduced

large-capacity (over

the

1,500

seats) "movie palaces" in urban locations, and

also

for

the

small

motion

picture

theater in rural communities . These changes in circumstances place the cinema in somewhat the same category as the other dramatic arts of the living stage theater, where

units

must have a

choice

location

with an adequate population to draw from and adequate

parking facilities .

The second type has acquired the label "art found

theater ."

These

mostly in

the

small

theaters

larger cities and

are in

the university towns where there is a more sophisticated

audience .

Foreign films

better U .S . films are shown in these theaters . They usually prove profitable at the

capacities of from often

400 to 900 seats, and

command

the

highest

admission

prices . SHAPE AND SIZE OF PROJECTED PICTURE Picture shape and viewing

patterns

are

determined by fixing visual standards that enable

each

viewer

to

see

the

picture

satisfactorily . The picture must appear undistorted,

its

view

must

be

unobstructed,

and its details discernible . The average width of the projected picture, which was about 18 ft in 1938, has now approximately doubled for the 35 mm Cinemascope and 70 mm film systems, introduced

in

1953 . The quality of the pro-

jected picture affects the size and shape of the seating pattern . The quality of the projected picture

varies with

the size of the

film used, however, and unfortunately most theaters still use more than one film

size

and projection system . Although picture widths have increased, the width of standard 35 mm film has not ; consequently, when

35 mm film is used, the seats nearest the screen

are

less

acceptable

graininess becomes visible

because from

film

these lo-

cations . When 70 mm film is used, the seats nearest the screen become desirable since film graininess is greatly reduced and these seats enable the viewers to experience the dramatic

impact of

"picture dominance ."

A more nearly ideal motion picture theater could be designed if only one type of projection system and film width were used . For the best compromise design, to provide for

all

widths, be used :

and

of the

the

current

systems

following general

l . The first row of seats

and

film

guide

may

should be

no

closer to the screen than a position determined as follows : The angle formed with the

Fig .

111 8

1.

Method of determining minimum distance from screen to first row of seats

Fig .

2.

horizontal

by a line

from

the top of

Maximum viewing distance and maximum width of seating pattern

Recreation and Entertainment MOVIE THEATERS

the

projected

viewer

in

picture

a

to

front-row

the

eye

seat,

of

the

should

not

exceed 33 deg . (The top level of the projected picture should be the same for all systems

of

projection

in

a

given

oudi-

torium .) See Fig . 1 . 2. The maximum viewing distance should be no greater than twice the width of the widest picture to be projected (Fig . 2) . 3 . The width of the seating pattern should vary from 1

times the widest pro-

jected picture at the first row to 1 .3 times of the row farthest from the screen (Fig . 2) . The resultant shape will be less rectangular than

the long

narrow theaters

of the

past, which are more economical to build unfortunately not well projection .

but are

suited

for

the new systems of

The seats nearest the screen will remain for use if the following gen-

Fig .

acceptable eral

rule

is

followed :

Projected

picture

widths should not exceed 35 ft for stand-

Fig . 4 .

Height of screen above floor

for 70

mm film . (See

later notes regarding modification of these widths in connection with picture masking .) In some instances in which a large seating capacity is desired, it is necessary to resort to a balcony in order to avoid the excessive

viewing

distance

that

would

otherwise develop .

FLOOR SLOPES AND SEATING

PICTURE MASKING The

most common

method

for masking

use a matte black surround . This is the simplest and least expensive way to absorb the fuzzy edges of the projected picture . These maskthe

projected

picture

is

to

ings may be in the form of a curtain that can be adjusted to mask various picture

SCREENS AND PROJECTION OPTICS Projection angle is the angle formed with the horizontal by a line from the projection lens to the midheight of the projected pic-

widths .

Another method is to use specially designed walls and ceiling that meet the pic-

ture . Because of the increased picture width

ture edges . Instead of black trim, the mask-

and screen curvatures recently introduced, it becomes increasingly important to have a minimum projection angle (0 deg is ideal

the

but usually impossible) . The angle should

not exceed 10 deg and should be kept as low as possible in order to have a minimum distortion of picture detail . A slight curvature

in the

width

screen and semimatte screen

of the

surfaces are

used to increase screen light reflection and to provide better dispersed screen illumination . This extra light is necessary for the larger

screen

sizes . The

curvature

should

have a radius equal to about l'/, times the projection distance . PROJECTION LENSES When a new theater is proposed it is important to determine at the outset the lens requirement for the various film systems to be projected . This information will determine

the

location

of

the

projection

room . The better lenses have greater focal lengths and require longer projection distances .

Methods of obtaining wider

lfaximum spacing for first row is 26 in .

at first row of seats

ard 35 mm film, 45 ft for Cinemascope 35 mm film, and 65 ft

5.

spacing for chairs nearest screen

luminous from light reflected from screen and blends with the projected

ing is

picture . The author

has designed

several

of these installations that have proved most satisfactory . Eye fatigue is reduced and greater dramatic impact is obtained .

If Cinemascope and 70 mm film are to be used in one theater, the luminous masking frame must be the same size for both systems,

in

which case

a

compromise

is

accepting a somewhat larger picture and a somewhat Cinemascope made

by

smaller 70 mm picture .

A compromise in the aspect ratio of the screen shape must also be made . The as-

In the design of floor slopes and upper steppings for cinema seating, it is

level

necessary to establish the physical dimensions of the seated patron (Fig . 3) and standards for vision of the screen

image .

Most important is elimination of objectionable screen obstruction caused by persons seated in front of the viewer . For best dramatic

impact,

the

bottom

of the pro-

jected picture should be as close as possible to the floor under the first row of seats (Fig . 4) . This in turn will require a more steeply pitched floor slope under the seats, and will eliminate the possibility of an upper tier of seats, which would have to be too steep in pitch . The

slope

of

the

main-floor

seating

would also be increased for one-row vision . One-row vision provides unobstructed vision over the heads of persons in the row immediately ahead . Two-row vision is not ideal, but it is acceptable and permits

milder slopes and the inclusion of an upper level of seats . Two-row vision is made more acceptable by staggering the seats to permit a view between the heads of the per-

to 2 .22

sons in the row immediately in front . With

(height to width) . For Cinemascope, the aspect ratio is 1 to 2 .34 . The Cinemascope frame con be cropped in the projector

two or more rows in front will not obstruct

pect ratio for 70 mm screen is

1

aperture to conform to the 1 to 2 .22 aspect ratio without any meaningful loss of Cinemascope

picture material .

The shape of the architectural light box in front of the screen requires special study for

each

pattern .

seating,

projection,

and

screen

two-row

vision

the

heads of

all

persons

any view of the screen . Two-row vision is further improved by using the widest chairs therefore the widest space between heads) in the rows nearest the screen . (See Fig . 5 .) The view between heads is usually

(and

too narrow in the front rows where two-row vision is used . Minimum seat widths should be 20 in . for the rows farthest from screen .

111 9

Recreation and Entertainment MOVIE THEATERS THEATER AUDITORIUM FLOOR SLOPES Unit of reference in motion picture theater design is projection screen width, W Distance from screen to first row of seats should be no less than 1 W Best viewing distance is zone 3 W to 4 W; next in desirability are areas 2 /1 2 W to 3 W,and4 Wto4'/2 W. In theater of 22 rows, a screen 11 ft high by 15 ft wide is good for maximum viewing distance ;

hence, first row of seats should be about 15 ft from screen . Recommended row spacing at least 34 in back to back . Upward floor slope should start as far back from screen as possible, since slopes greater than 3 in between rows require risers. In diagrams shown (Figs . 6, 7, and 8), staggered seating, except in first rows of reverse-pitch schemes, reduces rear floor slope by half, and avoids dangerous

variable step heights necessary with aligned seating . When steps are used, if uniform height (fixed by rear rows) is adopted as standard, slope increases, and stadium type scheme results . Elevated stadium type is useful to permit space beneath for passage and services . Drawings show all levels in relation to datum line, lowest point of floor. All pitches and rises noted in inches and decimal parts of on inch .

Fig . 6 Single-slope auditorium . On ground sloping 3 ft or more downward toward screen . Without staggered seats, risers required starting tenth row.

Fig . 7 Double-slope auditorium . On level ground, or on ground sloping less than 3 ft in any direction . First six rows aligned to allow view of entire screen .

Fig. 8 Double-slope auditorium with stadium. On level ground or on ground sloping less than 3 H in any direction . Seats in of least first six rows aligned. Crossover under first few rows of stadium saves seating area . Staggered seating and minimum clearance in crossover prevent intermediate steps. Time-Saver Standards : A Handbook of Architectural Design, 2d ed ., McGraw-Hill Book Co ., New York, 1950 .

Recreation and Entertainment MOVIE THEATERS

Fig . 10 Circulation diagram, showing relation of street lobby, foyer, and auditorium doors .

Fig . 9

In considering the utilization of screenlight, it is important that areas

Example of "continental seating ."

reflected

Cinema at Turku, Finland ; Erik Bryggman, architect . Minimum row spacing of 40 in . is required . Afore seats can be used in width to conform to larger screen requirements .

immediately surrounding the screen should not cause a lack of clarity in the projected image . Surfaces closest to the screen can be

shaped,

finished,

and

screen surface so as to ROW SPACING AND AISLES Minimum spacing be

in .,

34

Greater

with

rows should

1-in .-thick

chair-back

chair

thickness

is

backs . wasteful

and unnecessary. Where 40 to 42 in . can be

used

for row spacing,

many building-

code authorities permit the elimination of all longitudinal aisles other than the aisles against the side walls . These codes,

how-

ever, require frequent exit doors along the wall aisles for this type of seating . The capacity is about the same for the 34- and 40-in .

spacing

because

of

the

different

aisle arrangement .

The serves

lighting three

of

a

auditorium

cinema

separate functions : (1) Emer-

gency exit and mood lighting, used during screen presentation ; (2) Lighting needed during

intermissions ;

sufficient

intensity

ments, clearing

and

for

Lighting

(3)

making

the

house,

sources

of

of

announcerare

or other

needs

and

are

from the

as

follows :

screen, of

light

for

these

(1) Light reflected

varying

Emergency lighting generally must be provided separately . Where separate service lines are available, one may be

native means of providing energy are battery

systems

intensity de-

pendent on film density ; (2) Wall and ceiling surface illumination by standard lamps

water turbines, and the like. emergency

lighting circuit and should

usually a minimum of 8 in . high . All circulation areas, lobbies

including foyers, lounges, and

should

termed "continental seating" because of its

luminated ; and (3) Light projected on walls, ceiling, or audience from remote or con-

TICKET BOOTHS

The

extra

comfort

and safer egress afforded by this arrangement account for its

increasing

use . (See

Fig . 9 .)

cealed positions . All lighting normally required during the presentation is supplied in

the

front

half

of

the

auditorium

by

screen-reflected light . The rear portion must be

illuminated

by

other

light

sources,

SCREENS

placed so that the source is not within the

All screens are perforated to allow for sound transmission from speakers placed behind the screen . (A depth of 5 ft should

ment

be

walls

spectators' normal range of vision . Place-

orovided

behind

the

screen

for

the

speakers .) All screens are vinyl plastic with a diffusive surface or a coated surface to increase

light

reflection .

Lenticulated

screens are also available . The screen ma-

choices are : first, at the junction of

ceiling and side walls ; second, on the ceiling ; and third, on the side walls . The side rarely offer

because,

here,

an

even

acceptable low

location

intensities

are

often objectionable . Lighting

during

performance

should

the shape of the seating pattern and the

consist of a low-intensity, evenly diffused bath of light completely covering all surfaces in view, rather than either complete

strength of the projector light source .

darkness or spotty lighting .

terial must be selected in accordance with

likewise be

on

the emer-

The location of the ticket booth depends

on the space available, the character and direction of street and pedestrian traffic, and the volume and The

ticket booth

habits of patronage .

may

be

isolated (as an

island), centered, or included in the corner of the

entrance . It should, of course, be readily identified with its function . In metropolitan areas, ticket booths are almost

universally placed as close to sidewalks as building codes permit in order to attract casual

a

be

legible from any point viewed . Lettering is

gency circuit .

Europe .

automatically,

kept charged

gasoline, Diesel or gas engine generators,

or tubes installed on the surface to be il-

in

used

with an emergency motor generator . Alter-

The 40 " în . seating scheme is sometimes popularity

the

Exit signs are connected to the general

occasions . Types

to

ture .

GENERAL LIGHTING

between

related

enhance the pic-

passers-by . In

centers where

patrons

suburban and leave

their

other

homes

with the express purpose of attending the cinema, ticket booths may be removed from sidewalk

lobbies and placed either within

secondary lobbies or in foyers . It is pos-

Recreation and Entertainmen' MOVIE THEATERS

sible to adopt a continental custom-use of an open counter located conveniently to the manager's office-in an effort to achieve an "intimate" atmosphere . When

operated by only one person an area approximately 4 by 4 by 8 ft is adequate ; for larger theaters, where there are generally two ticket sellers, clearances are required . Heating is often provided from the theater heating system if the theater cellar

extends under the ticket-booth space. Although electric heaters are sometimes used, they are not always satisfactory because they concentrate great amounts of heat in single spots without providing general heating. Natural ventilation is usually provided by ventilators in roofs and louvers in doors. Occasionally air-conditioning duels are run to booths from theater systems . Space is required for change makers and electrically or manually operated ticket dispensers . It is almost universal practice to install an outside telephone for the attendant's convenience in answering calls about the program . This telephone is usually connected to another in the manager's office, with a two-way signal .

Local codes, of course, will govern .

LOUNGES AND TOILLTS Lounge areas, on either level, serve to separate the toilets from the theater seat-

ing. For capacities of over 600 seats, at least two lounge areas should be provided and arranged so as to be partially or wholly visible from the lobby, foyer, or circulating areas. It is also desirable to have some part of the lounge command a view of

both seating and screen in order that waiting patrons may follow seat availability as well as performance progress . Recommended minimum toilet fixture requirements are as follows :

Theater capacity Up to 400 seats

Men 1 basin 1 toilet 1 urinal

Women 1 basin 2 toilets

400-600 seats

2 basins 2 toilets

2 basins 3 toilets

2 basins 2 toilets 3 urinals

2 basins 4 toilets

2 urinals 600-1,000 seats

PROJECTION ROOMS The usual code requirements are 48 sq ft for the first projection machine and 24 sq ft for each additional projector. Dimensions based on necessary clearances around

projectors are given in Fig. 11 . Rewinding : Although at least one state law requires that film rewinding be done in the projection room, a separate rewind room adjacent to the projection room is usually considered advisable. Rewinding is done on a small table ; observation ports opening to both the projection room and the auditorium permit a single operator to supervise a presentation easily while rewinding used film . Film storage Up to 12,000 ft of film is usually permitted to be stored in metal containers . Film safes are required for greater amounts, 24,000 ft being the usual maximum . The location should be convenient to the rewind table.

Key a . Line fuses b. Line switch c. Line switch d . Panel box (d-c) e. Panel box (a-c) f. Motor starter g. Booth exhaust blower control and pilot h . Dimmer j . Light switch k. Arc blower switch m. 15A Duplex receptacle (twist lock) n . Signal buttons p. Sound control q. Amplifier r. Vaporproof fixture s. TA receptacle I . Interphone u. Fuse link support for steel fire shutter v. Blower receptacle Fig. 11

Plan of projection room and elevation of wall toward auditorium.

Recreation and Entertainment MOVIE THEATERS Handicapped Seating

SEATING DIMENSIONS ARE AVERAGE STANDARD FIXED SEATING person because Fig . 12 Wheelchair seating space at aisles. Sight lines may be interrupted by wheelchair chair arrangement. wheelchair seat is higher than fixed seats . This may be overcome by diagonal or other

WHEELCHAIR PROJECTS APPROXIMATELY 16" INTO CROSS AISLE . CROSS AISLE WIDTH SHOULD ALLOW EXTRA SPACE . t-Fig . 13

Fig. 14 Wheelchair seating space of back wall. If back wall is held 18 in away from top of seatback, wheelchair can park as shown without blocking raw .

CROSS AISLE -----t

Wheelchair seating space at cross aisle .

LEG BRACES LOCK IN STRAIGHT LEG POSITION UNTIL PERSON SITS 4 PELEASES LOCK ALLOWING &NEE TO SENDREOUIEES 18'-L4 IN FRONT OF SEAT .

An illustrated Handbook of the Handicapped, Section of the North Carolina State Building Code . 1977, Ronald Mace, AIA and Betsy Loslett, Raleigh, N .C .

Fig . 15

STAGGERED SEATING, CAN PROVIDE &DE(PUATE SPACE FOR AMBULANT HANDICAPPED SCAT BEHIND IWSZT ROW SHOULD BE 14"WIDE MINIMUM TO ALLOW EXTRA SEAT WIDTH FOR LEC,BRACES . SEATS BEHIND WHEELCHAIR SPACE AND AT CROSS AISLES ALSO ALLOY) SPACE FOR PERSONS WITH LEG BRACES .(SEE ABOVE)

Seating space requirements for braces and crutches .

Recreation and Entertainment MOVIE THEATERS Handicapped Seating

Fig . 16

Example plan : small theater .

Fig . 17 Sloping floors in assembly seating . Steeply sloping floors (a) offset center of gravity for wheelchairs causing discomfort during long performances . For this reason it is preferred that wheelchairs be located where floor can remain level as at cross aisles (6), front and rear of theater, or in boxes to the side (c).

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