Technology used in the design and manufacture of seating systems is always evolving. Find the right seating system manufacturer for your venue, and you could look forward to getting a tailored, ultramodern system: one that gives you an abundance of exciting options when it comes to the size and type of events you could host. To help you in your decision-making here's some advice and several pointers around choosing the right seating system for your project.
Why Do People Choose A Retractable Stand Over Fixed Seating?
It's a big question but here are some factors governing the decision-making:
- To gain space — when the stand is folded it releases space, allowing people to navigate areas more freely.
- Versatility — retractability means flexibility and broader scope: a wider and more diverse choice of events can be considered and hosted at a venue, from exhibitions and balls to concerts and plays. Event organisers and venue managers suddenly have an array of options, around either empty spaces or seating areas.
- Adaptability to the venue space — contrary to popular belief, retractable seating can come in curved as well as standard straight configurations.
- Economy of space in storage — when a stand is folded it takes up only 1.5m of width.
- Time-saving flexibility — stands designed by industry experts retract speedily and efficiently, meaning that a complete turnaround in use can be made in a day, for example.
The Engineering – How Does A Retractable Stand Work?
Simply put, a retractable stand opens and folds. But how does it do that? What special mechanism is included in the system’s design? Stand retraction and opening boils down to two things:
- Motors are built into the stands to allow basic moves: 360° turning; forwards and backwards
- Integrated motors on the tiers will open each tier consecutively, from the first level to the last, until all the stand’s tiers are either folded or extended.
With all this flexibility at the push of a button, it’s little wonder that retractable seating systems are so globally popular. They just make life so hassle-free at venues everywhere. Fully or partially furnish your venue safely, with ease. Change your seating system’s shape (and even move it on different axes), according to your need; or simply store the whole structure away, quickly and securely – and with no damage to your flooring – to maximise released floor space.
What Should I Look For In Terms Of Adaptability?
Insist upon getting a custom-made design. You need a seating system that’s made-to-measure, not some sort of one-size-fits-all generic model. Why settle for that when venues all over the world are getting a specifically-designed seating system installed, and benefiting from the installation in numerous ways?
Ask your seating system expert to:
- Work closely to the Architect's plan. Ceiling height, exit door locations, interior design features, and the types of events that you host (and your desire to expand your scope in this regard) must be considered at seating system design stage. This is your chance to get the perfect system. Take it.
- Work to the dimensions and limitations of the venue itself. OK, your available space will more or less determine and dictate the number of seats that you can have, but what if more space could be created somehow? Being inventive and innovative at this stage of the design process could really pay off. Perhaps more seats could be added by your seating system provider adjusting the stand’s height, for example? Or could the space in front of a stand be used more cleverly, by adding fixed seats (if the Architect’s plan allows it)?
Also ask your seating provider to:
- Work with you to create a unique design: a seating system that’s as attractive as it’s functional, and wholly appropriate to your venue’s type and style — the image that you wish to convey. Ask for a seating system design that’ll get your venue talked about, and has people flocking to experience the many events that you plan to host both in the short- and long-term. There is already so many funky seating system designs out there! Show the designer examples of ones you really like at venues that, thanks to their new seating becoming fully flexible, have increased the type, scale and number of events that they host each year.
In short, when speaking to a potential seating system supplier, ask key questions. You need answers that make you feel 100 per cent reassured. You should be left in no doubt that they have the design and engineering expertise to create the very best seating solution possible for you. Look at examples of their work. Ask about the problems they solved and the design remits they were charged with. Also, what are other clients saying about this seating expert’s work?
What Type Of Seat Should We Install?
The type of seat really depends upon what type(s) of event your venue most frequently hosts. Plastic seats are most definitely suited to stadiums, while wooden seats are generally best at an indoor sports hall. Large-scale educational purpose venues? Wooden seats again, as they’re more resilient. And, don’t forget, bespoke or standard fabric backrests or seat pads can be added, for more comfort.
How Many People Does it Take to Operate A Stand? How Quick? Is it Noisy?
Your seating system provider should be able to give you information and show you examples of their seating systems in action. For safety reasons, a minimum of two people must operate the system: one to handle the opening and closing, and one to check for obstacles or problems while the stand is moving. With most stands this is usually a low-noise operation. As for speed, this can vary. On average, it should take two people approximately 15 minutes to open a 200-seat stand.