Large Lecture Hall Design

Acoustics

• An acoustical consultant should help design the room (Allen et al., 1996; Cornell University, 1998).
• Sound reinforcement (audio speakers and wireless microphones) should be considered for effective voice amplification and audio playback (Allen et al., 1996).

Chalkboard

• If more than one chalkboard is used in a lecture hall, chalkboard lighting should also be zoned. Chalkboard lighting should also be positioned so the light source is not directly visible to those seated in the first rows of the classroom (Allen et al., 1996).

Desks

• Fixed tables are preferred (Allen et al., 1996).Modesty panels or front panels for the tables should be used (Case Western Reserve University, 1997).
• If tablet–arm chairs are used in place of fixed tables, at least 10% should be left–handed. 5% should be ADA accessible (Allen et al., 1996).

Dimensions

• The room should take a modified–fan shape with tiered or sloped floors (Allen et al., 1996).
• The slope of the room should not exceed a 1:12 ratio (Allen et al., 1996).

Entrances

• The number of entryways should be designed with between–class traffic flow in mind. At least one entrance should be at the front to allow for wheelchair access (Adams, 1995; Allen et al., 1996; Burnett el al., 2003).

Projection Booth

• A projection booth containing all AV equipment should be constructed the rear of the lecture hall (Allen et al., 1996).
• A single–paned window should be installed at a height that allows projections to clears the tops of students’ heads. The window should also be properly insulated to reduce noise generated by projection equipment. It should afford the booth's operator good visibility and flexibility in the positioning of projectors. (Allen et al., 1996; University of Washington, 2002).
• Ideally, the booth will be equipped with a monitor speaker and an intercom speaker, so the operator can hear both the of audio performance and what is being said in the classroom (Allen et al., 1996; Burnett et al., 2003).
• Installing a phone enables an operator to make trouble–shooting phone calls (Burnett et al., 2003).
• The dimension and size of the projection booth should take into consideration the storage and usage of required AV equipment (Allen et al., 1996).
• Projection booth lighting should accommodate both full lighting during the set–up of equipment and dimmable lighting for use during projection (Allen et al., 1996; University of Washington, 2002).
• The projection booth should be equipped with its own HVAC system or be zoned separately from the classroom (Burnett et al., 2003; Case Western Reserve University, 1997).

Screens

• No matter how many screens are used, at least 6 feet of chalkboard space should be visible at all times (Allen et al., 1996; Burnett et al., 2003).
• Screen size should follow a 1:4 ratio. The width of the screen should be no less than 1/4 the distance from the screen to the farthest viewer (Allen et al., 1996).
• The first row of seating should be no closer to the screen than twice the width of the screen (Allen et al., 1996).
• Ideally, the top of the screen should rise no more than 35 degrees from the viewers’ horizontal line of sight (Allen et al., 1996).

Seating

• Fixed–seating should swivel (Burnett et al., 2003).
• Upholstered seating is preferred (Burnett et al., 2003).
• Stagger seats (University of Washington, 2002).
• Seating can be arranged up to 45 degrees off the center axis (Allen et al., 1996).

Storage

• Adequate storage should be located near the teaching area (Allen et al., 1996).
• The size of the storage closet should be based on classroom use.