Recreation and Entertainment MOVIE THEATERS

better U .S . films are shown in these theaters . They usually prove profitable at the capacities of from often prices . SHAPE AND SIZE OF PROJECTED PICTURE Picture shape and viewing enable each its viewer view to see be patterns the are command 400 to 900 seats, and the highest admission

By BEN SCHLANGER, Architect Theater Consultant

the success of any one production depends on its quality or unusual character . The new systems of picture projection add a or an unusual character new to 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-

film, but they cannot

be depended upon

alone to draw the large patronage enjoyed in the era prior to home television . Technically, films (70 mm), the and larger new screens, optical

wider an

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 volume 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 divided attention to the presentation . LOCATION The location of the cinema site is determined by its accessibility, land costs, parking facilities, and potential patronage . Big shopping centers have large parking areas that are generally unused in the evening, and may therefore be desirable locations for motion picture theaters, SIZE Home television and new systems of motion picture projection have brought about new criteria for determining optimum seating capacities for motion picture theaters . Home need and television for also the for has greatly reduced the large-capacity (over the small motion 1,500 picture

systems

(such as Cinemascope) increase

make

possible

determined by fixing visual standards that picture satisfactorily . The picture must appear undistorted, must 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 projected picture affects the size and shape of the seating pattern . The quality of the projected picture varies with the size of the size film used, however, and unfortunately most theaters still use more than one film and projection system . Although picture widths have increased, the width of standard 35 mm film has not ; consequently, when screen are less acceptable because from film 35 mm film is used, the seats nearest the graininess becomes visible these lo-

in the size of the audience that of it home almost television, impossible however, to profit

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

the potentially larger audience . Re-

duced patronage and high film-production have resulted in higher admission prices, which, in turn, tend to reduce further the size of the audience . It has only recently been realized that there is a distinct advantage in having a relatively small audience with a maximumsize psychological effect that is thus created is that of "picture dominance," or an "at-the-scene feeling" for the viewer . Under these conditions, the picture practically fills the viewer's central range of vision (approximately 60 deg), and the distraction of the auditorium shell is greatly minimized . Two theaters general distinct types of motion picture have now developed . First is the type of theater, catering to the projected picture . The

comforts as will enable them to give un-

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 of the the current systems and guide film may widths, be used : following general

more popular taste in films and requiring capacities of from 600 to 1,500 seats . The larger units must have a choice location with an adequate population to draw from and adequate "art found theater ." mostly in parking facilities . These the small theaters are in and The second type has acquired the label larger cities and Foreign films

seats) "movie palaces" in urban locations, 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

the university towns where there is a more sophisticated audience .

l . The first row of seats

should be

no

closer to the screen than a position determined as follows : The angle formed with the horizontal by a line from the top of

Fig .

1.

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

Fig .

2.

Maximum viewing distance and maximum width of seating pattern

111 8

Recreation and Entertainment MOVIE THEATERS

the

projected in a

picture front-row

to

the seat,

eye

of

the not

viewer

should

exceed 33 deg . (The top level of the projected picture should be the same for all systems of projection in a given ouditorium .) 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 projected 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 but are the long narrow theaters of the for Fig . 5. Methods of obtaining wider past, which are more economical to build the new systems of acceptable eral rule unfortunately not well projection . suited

The seats nearest the screen will remain for use if the following genis followed : Projected picture Fig . 4 . Height of screen above floor at first row of seats

spacing for chairs nearest screen

widths should not exceed 35 ft for standard 35 mm film, 45 ft for Cinemascope 35 mm film, and 65 ft 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 . 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 picture . Because of the increased picture width and screen curvatures recently introduced, it becomes increasingly important to have a minimum projection angle (0 deg is ideal but usually impossible) . The angle should low as possible in order to have a minimum distortion of picture detail . A slight curvature in the width of the screen and semimatte screen surfaces are not exceed 10 deg and should be kept as

lfaximum spacing for first row is 26 in .

PICTURE MASKING The most common method is to for masking

FLOOR SLOPES AND SEATING In the design of floor slopes and upper steppings for cinema seating, it is

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

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 projected 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

Another method is to use specially designed walls and ceiling that meet the picture edges . Instead of black trim, the masking is the luminous from light reflected from screen and blends with the projected has designed several

picture . The author

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, made in which case a compromise is accepting a somewhat larger picture and a somewhat Cinemascope by smaller 70 mm picture . A compromise in the aspect ratio of the screen shape must also be made . The aspect ratio for 70 mm screen is 1 to 2 .22 (height to width) . For Cinemascope, the aspect ratio is 1 to 2 .34 . The Cinemascope frame con be cropped in the projector aperture to conform to the 1 to 2 .22 aspect ratio without any meaningful loss of Cinemascope picture material .

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

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 .

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 persons in the row immediately in front . With two-row vision the heads of all persons two or more rows in front will not obstruct any view of the screen . Two-row vision is further improved by using the widest chairs (and therefore the widest space between heads) in the rows nearest the screen . (See Fig . 5 .) The view between heads is usually

The shape of the architectural light box in front of the screen requires special study for each seating, projection, and screen pattern .

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 /2 W 1 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

Example of "continental seating ."

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 .

reflected

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

immediately surrounding the screen should not cause a lack of clarity in the projected image . Surfaces closest to the screen can be ture . shaped, finished, and related to the screen surface so as to enhance the pic-

ROW SPACING AND AISLES Minimum spacing be 34 in ., with Greater be used chair-back between thickness rows should chair is backs . wasteful

GENERAL LIGHTING The serves lighting three of a cinema auditorium

Emergency lighting generally must be provided separately . Where separate service lines are available, one may be used with an emergency motor generator . Alternative means of providing energy are battery systems kept charged automatically, gasoline, Diesel or gas engine generators, water turbines, and the like. Exit signs are connected to the general emergency lighting circuit and should be

1-in .-thick

separate functions : (1) Emer-

and unnecessary. Where 40 to 42 in . can for row spacing, many buildingcode authorities permit the elimination of all longitudinal aisles other than the aisles against the side walls . These codes, however, 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 40 " n . seating scheme is sometimes termed "continental seating" because of its popularity in Europe . The extra comfort use . (See and safer egress afforded by this arrangement account for its Fig . 9 .) increasing

gency exit and mood lighting, used during screen presentation ; (2) Lighting needed during intermissions ; intensity the sources follows : for and house, of (3) Lighting sufficient occasions . Types needs from the and as light for these are making announce-

of

ments, clearing

or other

rare

(1) Light reflected intensity de-

legible from any point viewed . Lettering is usually a minimum of 8 in . high . All circulation areas, lobbies including foyers, lounges, and likewise be on the emershould

screen, of

varying

pendent on film density ; (2) Wall and ceiling surface illumination by standard lamps or tubes installed on the surface to be illuminated ; and (3) Light projected on walls, ceiling, or audience from remote or concealed positions . All lighting normally required during the presentation is supplied in the front half of the auditorium light

gency circuit . TICKET BOOTHS

by

screen-reflected light . The rear portion must be illuminated by other sources, placed so that the source is not within the spectators' normal range of vision . Placement choices are : first, at the junction of ceiling and side walls ; second, on the ceiling ; and third, on the side walls . The side walls rarely offer here, an acceptable low location are because, Lighting even a intensities

on the space available, the character and direction of street and pedestrian traffic, and the volume and The ticket booth may habits of patronage . be isolated (as an

The location of the ticket booth depends

SCREENS All screens are perforated to allow for sound transmission from speakers placed behind the screen . (A depth of 5 ft should be 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 material must be selected in accordance with the shape of the seating pattern and the strength of the projector light source .

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 passers-by . In patrons suburban and leave their centers where homes

often objectionable . during performance should consist of a low-intensity, evenly diffused bath of light completely covering all surfaces in view, rather than either complete darkness or spotty lighting .

other

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

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

Local codes, of course, will govern .

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

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

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

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 .

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 2 basins 2 toilets

Women 1 basin 2 toilets 2 basins 3 toilets 2 basins 4 toilets

400-600 seats

2 urinals 600-1,000 seats 2 basins 2 toilets 3 urinals

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

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)

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

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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