DG 1110.3.120
DESIGN GUIDE: MUSIC AND DRAMA CENTERS
JANUARY 1981
CHAPTER 3: AUDIENCE SUPPORT SPACE ALLOCATION
halls, every exterior door is a potential sound
Planners can generalize about Front End area
leak and noise entry. An unoccupied, absorptive
allowances with about the same precision ap-
vestibule can often be less costly than compa-
plicable to Room figures; a great deal depends
rable door seals. If this same space is extended
on shape, arrangement, intended use and the
as a buffer corridor or sub-foyer it does double
total number of people served.
duty between performances as access to ser-
vices and convenient milling space. Coat lockers
Since Front End facilities are less critical to per-
may also be located here, near one's seat, and
formance quality than the Room and Backstage
a gradual adjustment of illumination levels is
components, the using service and design agency
permitted.
is invited to view audience support allocations
creatively. Much will depend on justifiable at-
2. Administrative Spaces
tendance expectations, climate and neighbor-
The staff may spend many hours here each day.
hood context.
Office task illumination and environmental con-
trol are essential, daylight and exterior views aye
A. PUBLIC USE AREAS
desirable. The choice of individual versus open
office space depends on the using service re-
quirements. A mobile, multi-functional or largely
In typical civilian facilities, net public spaces
volunteer staff may find a single space most ef-
(Lobby and Foyer) range from 5 to 8 square feet
ficient to control and use flexibly. A heavy sched-
per seat, excluding corridors, stairs and vesti-
bules. Twenty percent may be added for circu-
ule of events, however, will keep the House Man-
lation areas. If a portion of the audience is seated
ager and clerical staff routinely busy, in which
immediately, a definable Main Foyer having 5 SF
case separate offices are advised. Touring show
per seat is minimum. Ingenuity in using "left-
programs may operate with different rhythm, as
over" corners, outdoor extensions, mezzanines,
will the promotional activities for coming events;
and compact shapes (minimum dedicated to cir-
these also benefit from relatively independent
culation) improves both apparent spaciousness
operation. Functionally separate Directors' of-
and actual efficiency. Another 20% will normally
fices enable private telephone and conference
account for services like toilets, closets, first aid
conversation for each individual, and intercom-
room and coat storage.
munication among them. Intercommunication
should extend to the backstage and control
Checkrooms should have 50 SF per hundred pa-
room, and include performance monitoring. At
trons. Restrooms are not directly proportional to
least one private conference area should be
capacity: allow 260 SF for 300 seats, 350 SF for
available for interviews, counseling, budget re-
650 seats, and 500 SF for 1400 seats. Recom-
views and the like.
mended minimum for an entry vestibule is 150
SF for limited ticket sale, or 500 SF for moderate
Box Office facilities should be separate from gen-
queuing.
eral administration, especially where cash re-
ceipts are involved; furnish door security, wicket
The best balance between public and patron
shutters, and a safe. The ticket sales area should
(free and paid) zones for a given facility can only
accommodate more than one person. Ticket
be estimated case by case, according to oper-
racks should be within easy reach and internal
ating conditions and practices. A generous pub-
communication possible without leaving the
lic zone is justified where regular daytime, pre-
window.
performance activity takes place. If a rich sched-
ule of events attracts many varied interest groups,
A general staff work area is desirable for joint
or if the facility is part of a larger complex, an
planning, coordination, program assembly,
attractive entranceway invites advance ticket
mailings, and miscellaneous clerical work.
sales and spontaneous participation. It may
sometimes be necessary to purposely generate
supporting activity, such as food and beverage
service, exhibitions and other entertainments
3.14 AUDIENCE SUPPORT
which the facility's locale does not provide. In
urban neighborhoods, it will be more natural to
SPACE ALLOCATION
walk in off the street and be seated promptly, as
in a Broadway theater.
3-77
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