Motion Picture Herald (May-Jun 1946)

I dividing the maximum viewing distance by the factor 5.2. The first row of seats nearest the screen should be a distance away equal at least to the width of the picture. It is desirable, indeed, to make this distance one and a quarter times the picture width wherever possible. Unless it is required for non-cinema purposes, a platform or stage in front of the picture may well be eliminated. Sufficient space should be provided for the curtain to be drawn out of view. OTHER PUBLIC AREA The amount of space given over to auxiliary requirements outside of the auditorium will vary, according to budget, plot dimensions, and possibly clientele. The Business District Scheme (page 21) illustrates minimum space for auxiliary purposes (foyer, lounges, etc.), while the Residential Area Scheme (page 20) increases such areas to an amount consistent with their maximum usefulness. Space limitations are always important, and as previously demonstrated, more area on the main floor is obtainable by employing an upper level of seating. The lobby space From the overdone to the simple (one might say, from the ridiculous to the sublime) in front treatments. Especially small theatres should avoid being heavy with many forms and loud with color — such effects are out of scale as well as out of step with today's tastes. between the first and second set of doors leading from the street can always be a minimum area because its chief function is to act as a weather lock. The foyer space beyond this area, on the other hand, should be as large as possible and, if space permits, include a portion designated as a lounge. A ladies' powder room for a 400-seat theatre should be, at a minimum, approximately 6 feet, 6 inches by 8 feet, 6 inches, and should be arranged to have one complete wall for mirrors and benches. The manager's office should, if possible,, be directly connected with the ticket booth. The drinking fountain should be located in the foyer and in a space outside of the heaviest lines of circulation. Candy stands should be placed where they will be visible on entering the foyer. TO/LET ROOMS Toilet rooms for a 400-seat theatre should be of minimum area sufficient only to accommodate properly the required number of plumbing fixtures. The minimum number of fixtures would be two water closets and one wash basin for the women and one water closet, two urinals and one wash basin for men. Ceiling height should be minimum so that the entire wall height can be tiled. Recommended water closet compartments are of the ceilinghung type, leaving the floor completely free for washing and hosing. Toilet room floors should drain for rush cleaning. Toilet rooms should have an indedent exhaust ventilating system. Fresh intake can be provided by making the toilet room doors 2% inches short of the saddle. Toilet room entrance doors should be off the foyer and in such position as to be away from the main lines of circulation to and from the auditorium. A view into any part of the toilet room interiors should be avoided by arranging the doors and walls in some manner so as to block such vision. An electrical water cooler is best placed in a closet directly behind the drinking fountain and completely separate from it. This closet should be ventilated when mechanical refrigeration is used. The drinking fountain should be located jn the foyer in the general vicinity of entry to the restrooms. EXPLOITATION The exploitation problem is entirely different for the average small residential or smalltown theatre than for city houses. Customers do not have to be picked off {Continued on page 22) BEHER THEATRES, JUNE I, 1946 19