DAILY UP FURNITURE
Projektübersicht
Background
A modern theatre auditorium in Nanjing completed a seating replacement in 2021. The space features a tiered layout with a full stage lighting system. The operator required fixed seating to be installed before the start of the performance season, without disrupting scheduled rehearsals and technical runs.
Requirements and challenges
- Tiered installation accuracy: The height difference between front and rear rows is substantial. Floor anchor positioning had to be verified against the actual elevation of each row, as any significant deviation would directly affect seating comfort and safety once the seats are in use.
- Fold-up mechanism durability: Auditoriums empty frequently after performances, and seat cushions are folded up and down multiple times daily. The return mechanism and damping components needed to withstand high-frequency use without developing noise or weak return within the first six months.
- Fabric stain resistance and flame retardancy: The deep-toned fabric had to meet theatre fire safety acceptance standards, while also being practical to clean after beverage spills. Stain resistance could not be overlooked simply because of the dark colour.
Specification and solution
- Fixed fold-up auditorium chairs: Steel floor stands with fold-up seat cushions were selected. The stands are rigidly connected to embedded floor anchors, and the cushion return uses damped slow-drop to reduce folding noise.
- Deep-tone fabric upholstery: A high-density blended fabric was chosen, with the colour coordinated to the auditorium's overall interior scheme. The surface was treated for stain resistance, and flame retardancy was specified to theatre public-area standards.
- Row-specific floor anchor plan: Stand heights and shim combinations were determined after measuring the tiered height differences row by row. A uniform flat-mount approach was not used, avoiding the need for later adjustment.
Delivery and outcome
- Quantity delivered: A total of 418 fixed auditorium chairs were installed in one hall, arranged in front and rear sections to correspond with the sightline design of the tiered auditorium.
- Installation: Completed without affecting the theatre's rehearsal programme.
- Fold-up testing: 30 seats were sampled for 5,000 continuous fold-up cycles. Return time remained stable within 1.2 seconds, with no abnormal noise or sticking.
Client feedback: These chairs have been in use for nearly a full performance season, with no issues with the folding mechanism. Post-show cleaning has also been straightforward for the housekeeping team.
