When considering seating arrangements a commonly asked question is if the floor should be sloped. Obviously this is a critical design question since it will impact the use of the space, floor elevations, handicap accessibility, etc. Smaller churches (those with less than 400 seats) generally do not need to have a sloped floor unless the seating is arranged in a traditional basilica manner. Once the size of the worship center begins to exceed the 400- seat rule of thumb a variety of methods can be used to improve sight lines. An equal- seeing floor slope must be carefully calculated by a qualified designer. A number of factors must be considered. For example the floor immediately in front of the platform may be level, or may actually need a reverse slope up toward the stage. Furthermore, the slope of the floor may not be consistent in an ideal design. It may need to increase toward the rear of the viewing area. The height of the stage or platform area is also an important consideration. A higher stage is better for people in the back to see, however there is a height which will adversely affect the people in the front rows of seats. For purposes of drama presentations it is important for everyone to be able to see the floor of the stage. For this reason a slightly sloped stage floor is sometimes used.Â
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Towards the back of the auditorium there are a couple of different approaches that can be used. The most desirable, by far from a sight line and acoustic standpoint, is to use stadium seating, in other words the floor steps up to each successive row of seats. Larger churches often use a balcony in order to provide the desired quantity of seating close to the platform. This approach offers a degree of economy by taking advantage of the higher volume space. Some of the disadvantages of balconies, however, are sound and service participation. The balcony will divide an auditorium into at least three audio zones: The main floor in front of the balcony, the area under the balcony, and the balcony itself. Each of these spaces performs significantly differently from an acoustic standpoint making the sound mixing and distribution much more difficult. The other disadvantage is from a participatory aspect. If the balcony is too large there is the danger of “burying” the seating below in a cave like setting. People in or under the balcony may not feel that they are a part of the service because of their isolated location. Additionally, it is more difficult for people in balconies to respond to altar calls. Many of these difficulties can be overcome in a properly designed space; however they are a reason why the amphitheater design with the stadium seating has become the arrangement of choice.Â
