Seatingfocused

Seatingfocused is a design and evaluation approach that places seating arrangements at the center of space planning. It seeks to optimize comfort, accessibility, safety, and functional use by systematically considering where people sit, how they move to and from seats, and how seating supports the intended activity.

Applications include theaters, lecture halls, classrooms, conference centers, sports arenas, transit terminals, and office or public spaces where seating is a major feature.

Core considerations include sightlines and acoustics, legroom, chair ergonomics, aisle width and accessibility, legibility of seating zones, and the flexibility to reconfigure for different events. It emphasizes universal design and compliance with accessibility standards, as well as clear wayfinding and evacuation efficiency.

Evaluation methods may combine architectural analysis, user surveys, occupancy studies, and simulation tools to model crowd flow and seating utilization.

Benefits include improved user comfort, faster egress in emergencies, higher satisfaction, and greater adaptability of spaces to various functions.

Challenges include cost, retrofitting existing venues, balancing density with comfort, and meeting diverse needs across user groups.

While not tied to a single regulatory framework, seatingfocused draws on related disciplines such as ergonomic design, architectural planning, and accessibility guidelines.