How Lecture Theatre Seating Impacts Learning

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How Lecture Theatre Seating Impacts Learning
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• There are many elements students will consider
  when choosing a destination for their higher
  education from the courses on offer, facilities
  and fees to the location, accommodation, and
  nightlife.
• One thing they probably wont give any thought
  to however is the lecture theatre seating.
• Although the amount of face-to-face teaching will
  vary dependent on the course of study undertaken,
  UK university students spend an average of 11-13
  hours per week in lectures.
• This means over 3 years of learning, students can
  expect to spend over a thousand hours sitting in
  a lecture room, which makes lecture theatre
  seating a key part of their learning experience.

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• Whilst students may not give any fore thought to
  the seating available in lecture theatres, if it
  is fit for purpose, they will also not give it
  much thought once they are sitting in it.
• Its usually only when there is a problem that
  they will turn their attention to the lecture
  theatre seating rather than focussing on what is
  being taught.
• An uncomfortable seat or a poor view can lead to
  major distraction which can have a detrimental
  effect on learning.
• Similarly, even with clean sightlines, good
  quality lecture theatre seating will in time
  require attention as high frequency usage will
  eventually lead to wearing which in turn affects
  its comfort.
• If youre responsible for the maintenance or
  management of lecture theatres, its important to
  regularly check that the lecture theatre seating
  is in good order and facilitates a positive
  learning experience.

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Lecture Theatre Seating key features to provide
an optimum learning experience

• Comfort  with students required to sit for an
  average of 1-2 hours per lecture, its important
  that lecture theatre seating offers a good level
  of comfort.
• Wooden, plastic or metal seats are not suitable
  when sitting for long periods and can start to
  feel very uncomfortable in a short space of time.
  
• Comfortable lecture theatre seating requires
  cushioned and upholstered seats and backs.
• Arms are an optional extra which can enhance
  comfort whilst also helping delineate personal
  space.

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• Clear sightlines  this is a critical element
  that can really affect how engaged students are
  in a lecture.
• If they cant clearly see the material being
  presented to them it can cause frustration and
  lead to seat shuffling which then becomes a
  distraction to those around them potentially
  obstructing the view of others.
• An uninterrupted view can usually only be
  achieved where lecture theatre seating is fitted
  on a tiered or raked floor.
• Desk space  although desk requirements can vary
  dependent on the subjects being taught, its
  vital students have sufficient work space for any
  devices or materials they need to use during a
  lecture.
• In multi-purpose spaces where a desk isnt
  always required, fold-away desks or writing
  tablets allow for increased personal space when
  not in use.

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• Power and connectivity  integral power and
  charging sockets are becoming more commonplace in
  lecture theatres, ensuring students remain
  connected and can access teaching materials
  online during lectures
• These are often incorporated into desktops or
  retrofitted underneath.
• Personal space  seats need to be of adequate
  width so students dont feel they are too close
  to each other.
• A lack of personal space can make people feel
  uncomfortable which again can detract from
  learning.
• This issue has also been exacerbated by the
  Coronavirus pandemic.

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• Disability access  whilst ease of access for
  wheelchair users and those with mobility issues
  is a legal requirement in new building design, it
  can unfortunately be lacking in many older
  universities where lecture theatre design did not
  take this into consideration.
• Not only does there need to be clear and
  sufficient access into the lecture theatre,
  provision should also be made for disabled
  students to sit alongside their peers providing
  an inclusive learning environment where they do
  not feel alienated.
• Durability  lecture theatres are high-traffic
  facilities which accommodate several different
  groups of students throughout every day.
• With such high-frequency usage, lecture theatre
  seating needs to be strong and hard-wearing to
  withstand the demands of modern higher education
  establishments.

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• Colour - The colour scheme used in a lecture
  theatre can have a big influence on the
  atmosphere created and the fabric colours chosen
  for seating obviously tie into this.
• Dark, uniform colours portray a more serious,
  professional ambience, pale or pastel colours
  make for a more relaxing space whilst bright and
  bold colours that pop give a more vibrant feel.

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Replacement Lecture Theatre Seating

• If you want to ensure your lecture theatres
  provide an optimum learning environment, the
  above checklist provides a good point of
  reference when specifying new seating.
• If you need to increase or reduce the capacity
  of your lecture theatre your supplier should be
  able to design a new seating plan to accommodate
  your requirements whilst complying with safety
  and equality regulations.

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New Build Lecture Theatres

• For new build lecture theatres, an architect will
  usually design the tiered floor and seating plan
  which seating manufacturers can then work with.
• This should be designed to provide optimum
  sightlines alongside the specification for a good
  quality, comfortable seat.
•  Fixed tiering is bespoke made for each
  establishment and seating manufacturers like
  Evertaut offer the design, manufacture and
  installation of this alongside their seating
  products and services.

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Seating Refurbishment Options

• In modern lecture theatres where seats have
  become worn but frames are still in good
  condition, seating refurbishment may be an
  option.
• Generally, lecture theatre seating refurbishment
  involves removing seats, backs and arms for
  reupholstery and replacing foams as necessary.
• Replacement desks can be fitted as part of this
  service which also provides the opportunity to
  incorporate any power sockets or charging points
  where they are not currently available.

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• Whilst seating is a key feature in a lecture
  room, to create a truly optimum learning
  environment there are other elements such as
  fittings and décor, access, acoustics and
  audio-visual equipment that equally need to be
  addressed with relevant specialists.
• Evertaut is a long-established manufacturer of
  tiering and lecture theatre seating.
• We provide a complete service from design to
  installation including site surveys (where
  required) and seating plans.
• We offer a range of lecture seating designs which
  can be tailored to requirements with a choice of
  desk options and other features.
• To make an enquiry about lecture theatre seating
  or tiering, please complete and submit the short
  form below.

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