DG 1110.3.120
DESIGN GUIDE: MUSIC AND DRAMA CENTERS
JANUARY 1981
C H A P T E R 3: THE HOUSE
sion of uniformity by centering attention. If the
stage configuration and proscenium width.
center point of curvature is on stage, the nearest
rows are sharply arched. But the longer the ra-
The dominant side-to-side movement on a Fron-
dius, the less appreciable its effect. If conven-
tal stage places value on proximity to the Room
tional seating is employed, (with longest rows
centerline, while the desirability of short viewing
of 14 seats) the radiating aisles eliminate a num-
distance works in the other direction. The objec-
ber of near-center seats. An alternate conven-
tive logically should be to maximize the number
tional plan places a cross aisle nearer the stage,
of seats in the center front region.
which eliminates seats within the optimum vi-
sion distance. Continental seating avoids these
Actors' expressions are difficult to see beyond
radial geometry issues entirely.
40 feet, gestures past 65 feet, and only large body
movements can be seen between 65 and 110
Curved rows of gentle arc can have identical ra-
feet. Location of drama audiences should be
dius with the focus somewhat reduced, but al-
within 65 feet, if possible. Viewing at an oblique
lowing uniform, maximum row length and flush
angle foreshortens the image and may require
aisles with conventional seating. This "rectan-
neck craning. The normal cone of optimum vi-
gular" arrangement requires varied seat unit size
sion covers 30 degrees vertically and 40 degrees
in order to provide staggered seats from row to
horizontally. Viewing angle works against front
row. Staggered seats permit one viewer to see
corner seats, which have the most oblique view
between heads in the next row.
from which portions of the acting area may be
obscured. For that matter, any "front row" seat
3. Vertical Arrangement with Respect to Stage
requires a lot of head movement to take in the
Sight line criteria in the vertical dimension help
entire acting area. A 45 degree pivot is consid-
define floor slope (an aspect of sectional shape).
ered maximum tolerable exercise.
Flat-floor Rooms are limited in capacity by the
The intimacy of Drama is enriched by focused
problem of seeing past a few rows of people. A
orientation. Curved rows reinforce the impres-
FIGURE 3-5.6
LARGE HOUSE PROBLEMS
3-23
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