If you need to source new lecture chairs for a university lecture theatre, college or conference centre it’s important to do some research before making a purchase decision.
There are a wide range of lecture chairs on the market and an increasing number of suppliers so even if you don’t know exactly what you are looking for it’s advisable to consider the requirements of both your establishment and your users before making any enquiries.
Whether you’re furnishing a new build lecture hall or replacing seating in an existing building, compiling the following information will give you a good starting point in choosing the right lecture hall seating. This information will also give potential suppliers a clear idea of your requirements and can help them advise you accordingly.
1. Will the room be permanently used as a lecture hall or does it need to be a multi-purpose space?
The answer to this question will determine the type of seating you will need. For a permanent lecture hall then fixed auditorium seating is usually the preferred choice. Fixed auditorium seating is usually fitted in uniform rows or on a radius, it is strong and robust whilst offering a high level of comfort.
If the space is required for multiple uses then you will need to look at lecture chairs on a retractable unit or loose seating. Retractable units incorporate fixed auditorium seats which fold down allowing the whole unit to be compacted and pushed away to the side of the room, leaving the floor area clear for alternative use. A much cheaper alternative to this is stackable loose seating which offers flexible configuration and can be stored away when not required. This type of conference seating is often supplied with a storage trolley so you can transport the seating for use in different rooms or simply wheel it into a cupboard if you want to store it out of the way.
2. How many seats do you need to fit into the space?
If you’re furnishing a new build venue then it’s likely that a seating plan will have been drawn up by an architect who may have already specified a particular type of seat. For a lecture theatre where you are looking to replace existing seating you may need to increase or decrease the number of seat positions. If you want to increase seat numbers then you will need to look at the available space and compare the size of your existing seats to any new ones you are looking at.
Whatever type of seating you opt for you need to consider fire regulations in terms of the seat spacing and number of walkways. Most suppliers should be able to advise on this and draw up a new seating plan for you if required. You also need to allow access and space for wheelchair users. Many lecture theatres with fixed lecture chairs include a removable bank of seats or desks which can easily be taken out to accommodate wheelchairs as and when required.
3. Do you require writing desks and if so, which style bests suits the needs of users?
There are several different options when it comes to writing desks in an auditorium setting so think about the subjects that will be taught in the lecture hall and the equipment students will need to use – will students be taking notes on paper?, will they need to refer to books?, will they be using laptops or tablets? This can help you determine how much desk space they will need and therefore which type of desk is preferable.
Fold-away writing tablets are usually compact but give enough space for students to write, and fold down into the arm when not required. This style of writing tablet is often ‘anti-panic’ which means if students need to exit the building in an emergency the desks will automatically move out of the way when they stand up.
Full length desks usually attach along the back of a row of seats or can be floor fixed.
4. What type of ambience do you want to create in the lecture hall?
The look and style of your lecture chairs will have the biggest impact on how your lecture theatre looks and the ambience it creates. If you want a serious and professional atmosphere then lecture chairs in a single dark colour are usually the go-to choice. If you want your lecture hall to look more vibrant, cheerful or stimulating then using a selection of complementary fabric colours in a uniform or random pattern will create a totally different look.The décor in your room will also influence the look. Think about what image or atmosphere you want to create in your lecture hall.
5. What is your budget and quality specification?
It’s likely you will have a set budget available for your new seating and this in itself may determine the type of seats you opt for. If you’re on a tight budget then think about what are the most important requirements of your lecture chairs and what elements are not so important so you can get the best specification that meets your needs at the best price.
There is now a wide range of lecture hall chairs available from overseas suppliers, usually much cheaper than UK manufacturers. Whilst this may initially sound appealing you must take into account the risks associated with this. Most reputable UK suppliers will offer a full service from design to installation, taking care of every step of the process. If there are any after sales problems then they will have personnel on hand to take your call and come out to site to fix any snagging. Most UK manufacturers also offer a minimum 5 year guarantee subject to wear and tear of the seats. If you are sourcing seats from overseas it’s unlikely you will have any of this protection and there will be no guarantee of quality. You will also need to find your own installation team.
It’s always advisable to request to see a sample of a seat before making a final purchase decision. A picture on a website cannot show you how comfortable the seat is, the quality of the fabric or the finish and fixings. If a supplier isn’t happy to visit you and bring a sample chair for you to test then you have to question if they are the right supplier for you.
6. What associated services do you require as part of your seating installation?
Many seating suppliers can also design and install new tiered flooring and carpeting so if this is something you also require then check if your proposed lecture chair supplier can do this. It can often be more cost effective to get one supplier to complete the whole job.
Many seating suppliers will also offer a refurbishment service so if you don’t want to replace all of your lecture chairs or some are just in need of sprucing up then this is also an option to consider.
Sourcing the right lecture hall seating
Compiling answers to the above questions before starting your search for lecture chairs will allow you to make a more informed choice and give you a better idea of what to look for. It will also provide you with information to facilitate conversations with potential suppliers and ensure you choose the right type of seating for your lecture hall.
About Evertaut
Evertaut is a leading UK manufacturer and supplier of lecture chairs for educational establishments. The company’s seats can be found in university lecture theatres, colleges and conference centres across the country. Evertaut also specialises in the refurbishment of lecture chairs and can reupholster and renovate old or worn seats to give many more years of usage.
Evertaut Limited 