Standard Aisle widths

[Just Some Bloke]

Actually it's more to do with evacuations - if the seats are locked together they don't end up all over the place, blocking the aisles and stopping people from being able to get out. They tend to stay together in one lump, even when people stand up in a hurry and try and kick them out of the way!

[Ashley R]

For Australian viewers, the requirements can be found in the Building Code of Australia.

NSW has the most detailed specifications:

NSW H101.11 Seating in rows

This clause does not apply to continental seating or seating at tables.

NSW H101.11.1 Number of seats

Subject to NSW H101.11.5, where seating is arranged in rows, the maximum of seats in each

row must not exceed—

(a) 8 where there is an aisle at one end only of the row; or

(b) 16 where there are aisles on both ends of the row.

 

There is more detail about different configurations but this'll give you a starting point.

 

 

Just a tad baffled, then how does anyone function in a theater or cinema, if the maximum is 16 across? Where seating can be easily 30 wide.

[ImagineerTom]

Most building codes / safety laws have a "grandfather rights" policy - ie if a building was already operating before a new law came in to effect the old building is excused although any new buildings do have to comply with the regulations.

 

Which is why there are theatre's in the UK with 40+ chairs between aisles whilst new-builds have aisles everywhere.

[richard]

Note that they refer to "continental seating" - this is where you have a larger gap between rows and so the row can be longer. Not sure of the Oz rules but they sound similar to the UK

[Roderick]

Just a tad baffled, then how does anyone function in a theater or cinema, if the maximum is 16 across? Where seating can be easily 30 wide.

 

Richard is spot on, "Continental Seating":

NSW H101.12 Continental seating

This Clause applies to continental seating.

NSW H101.12.1 Seating to be fastened

Seating must be securely fastened to the floor.

NSW H101.12.2 Maximum seats per row

The number of seats in a row must not exceed 120.

NSW H101.12.3 Depths of seating rows

The depth of each row of seating (that is, the distance between the back of the row in front or, if

there is a guardrail in front, between the back of the row and the guardrail) must, in respect of a

row containing a number of seats specified in Column 1 of Table H101.12 be not less than the

distance specified in Column 2 of that Table in respect of that number of seats.

NSW H101.12.4 Clearance between rows

The minimum lateral clearance between each row of seating must, in respect of a row

containing a number of seats specified in Column 1 of Table H101.12 be not less than the

clearance specified in Column 3 of that Table in respect of that number of seats.

[david.elsbury]

Well done on being able to copy and paste, but I think you missed a table out? Otherwise the second half of that isn't very useful :)