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According to the requirements of Notice on Printing "Preparation and Revision Plan of Engineering Construction Standards and Codes (2009)" (JIANBIAO [2009] No.88) issued by the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development of the People's Republic of China, JGJ 57-2000 Design Code for Theater is revised by the code drafting group through extensive investigation and by seriously summarizing practical experience, making reference to relevant international and foreign advanced standards and widely soliciting opinions.
This code consists of 10 chapters, i.e., 1 General Provisions; 2 Terms; 3 Site and General Layout; 4 Lobby and Lounge; 5 Auditorium; 6 Stage; 7 Back Court; 8 Fire Prevention Design; 9 Architectural Acoustics; 10 Building Equipment.
Main contents revised in this code include:
1. The division of theater scale is adjusted; relevant requirements on the third class theater are deleted.
2. Specific requirements for ticket office are added; requirements for smoking room are deleted.
3. Contents concerning stage techniques are perfected; the requirements for proscenium opening and main stage dimension are modified; section of stage audio is added.
4. The live load value of fore stage sound gallery is supplemented; the load value of mechanical stage is adjusted.
5. Provisions concerning fire evacuation of stage area are perfected; section of smoke control and smoke exhaust system is added.
6. Provisions concerning occupied reverberation time of auditorium are perfected; requirements for sound insulation and noise reduction in auditorium are supplemented.
7. Requirements for water supply and drainage of theater are supplemented; requirements for power utilization in stage area are added.
In this code, the provisions printed in bold type are compulsory and must be implemented strictly.
The Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development is in charge of administration of this code and interpretation of compulsory provisions; China Southwest Architectural Design and Research Institute Co., Ltd. is in charge of interpretation of specific technical contents. During the process of implementation, the opinions and suggestions, if any, can be posted to China Southwest Architectural Design and Research Institute Co., Ltd. (Address: No.866, North Section of Tianfu Avenue, Chengdu, 610042, Sichuan).
Code for Design of Theater Building
1 General Provisions
1.0.1 This code is formulated with view to making the design of theater building meet the basic requirements concerning use function, safety, sanitation, energy conservation, environmental protection, economy, stage techniques, etc.
1.0.2 This code is applicable to the design of theater building subjected to construction, extension and renovation.
1.0.3 The design of theater building shall observe the principle of practicality and sustainability; the type, scale and class of theater shall be determined according to factors such as local cultural needs, functional orientation, service objects, management mode, etc.
1.0.4 The theater building may be used for performance of opera, drama and traditional Chinese opera, depending on the service purpose and viewing-performing conditions. For multi-purpose theater, the technical requirements shall be determined according to the major service purpose while considerations are given to other purpose(s).
1.0.5 The scale of theater building is divided according to the number of seats and those specified in Table 1.0.5 shall be met.
Table 1.0.5 Division of Theater Building Scale
Scale Number of seats
Extra large >1500
Large 1201~1500
Medium 801~1200
Small ≤800
1.0.6 The theater buildings are classified into top class, first class and second class according to the technical requirements for view and performance. The technical indexes of top class theater shall not be lower than those for the first class theater.
1.0.7 The theater building shall be subjected to stage techniques and acoustic design, and the building design shall proceed with the stage techniques and acoustic design in a synchronous and coordinated way.
1.0.8 Barrier-free design shall be carried out for the theater building, which shall meet the requirements of the current national standard GB 50763 Codes for Accessibility Design.
1.0.9 Where the theater auditorium doubles as a cinema, the optical design and screening room shall meet the requirements of current professional standard JGJ 58 Code for Architectural Design of Cinema.
1.0.10 Apart from this code, the design of theater building shall also meet the requirements of current national standards concerned.
2 Terms
2.0.1
theater
theatrical building with auditorium, stage, technical room, and rooms for actors and audience
2.0.2
auditorium
the space for the audience to watch performance
2.0.3
stalls
first floor of seats
2.0.4
balcony
the seats floor above the first floor
2.0.5
box (in the auditorium)
boxed seats along the side wall or back wall of auditorium
2.0.6
sightline point
design reference point of audience sightline
2.0.7
sightline
the connecting line between audience eyes and designed sightline point
2.0.8
exceeding value of vertical sightline
the vertical distance between the sightline of back-row audience and the eyes of front-row audience, referred to as C-value
2.0.9
stage
a generic term for performance parts of theater
2.0.10
proscenium stage
the stage set with proscenium opening to separate auditorium from stage
2.0.11
thrust stage
the stage stretching towards the auditorium and encircled by seats on three sides
2.0.12
arena stage
the stage set in the auditorium and encircled by seats on four sides
2.0.13
main stage
main performance space. For proscenium stage, it is the main performance space within the curtain line.
2.0.14
bay area
the auxiliary spaces set on both sides of main stage for the purposes of scene changing, waiting before performance and temporary storage of props and scenery pieces
2.0.15
back stage
the space set at the back of main stage, used to lengthen the acting area
2.0.16
back of house
the exclusive area for performers and crew to make preparation
2.0.17
proscenium opening
the stage opening facing the auditorium
2.0.18
apron stage
stage area stretching into seats beyond the curtain line
2.0.19
apron side
the stage part from the edge of apron stage stretching to both-side walls beyond the proscenium opening
2.0.20
orchestra pit
the space generally set at the front lower part of apron stage for use by band
2.0.21
understage
the basic space set below the stage level, used for operation, installation and overhaul of machinery under the stage
2.0.22
fly tower
the basic space between the main stage and lower edge of roof structure, used for performance, as well as operation, installation and overhaul of machinery on the stage
2.0.23
stage right
entrance for performance, set at the right of stage towards the audience
2.0.24
stage left
exit after performance, set at the left of stage towards the audience
2.0.25
curtain line
the projection line of the sideline of inner side surface of proscenium opening on the stage, serving as the datum for machinery positioning
2.0.26
grid; gridiron
the operation layer above the stage for installation, overhaul and suspension of equipment
2.0.27
fly gallery
the gallery set at a certain height along the side wall and back wall of main stage
2.0.28
proscenium curtain
the soft curtain separating stage from auditorium
2.0.29
cyclorama
the background curtain hung at the prospective area of stage
2.0.30
stage machinery
a general term for mechanical equipment serving for performance on stage
2.0.31
fire curtain
a special-purpose equipment set at the proscenium opening to close the opening rapidly in fire emergency, thus to isolate the stage from auditorium or other areas except for the main stage to prevent fire spreading
2.0.32
false proscenium
the facility set behind the proscenium opening, composed of upper plate and two lateral plates, capable of properly adjusting the size of proscenium opening, also used as the main equipment to hang the light fixture of proscenium opening
2.0.33
lighting bridge
the bridge type metal frame in parallel with batten and liftable for installation and overhaul of light fixture
2.0.34
portal bridge
a platform or hanger plate stretching from fly gallery to lighting bridge or upper plate of false proscenium
2.0.35
stage wagon
the mechanical stage moving horizontally among main stage, bay area and back stage
2.0.36
elevating stage
liftable mechanical stage
2.0.37
revolving stage
mechanical stage capable of horizontal rotation
2.0.38
orchestra lift
orchestra pit with lifting stage
2.0.39
batten
the equipment set above the stage to hang and lift the curtain, scene or light fixture with single pole or frame
2.0.40
point hoist
the equipment set above the stage or performance site to hang and lift the objects with single suspension point
2.0.41
fore stage sound gallery
the operating bridge outside the proscenium opening, with loudspeaker installed on top of fore-upward part
2.0.42
fore stage lighting gallery
the operating bridge set at the top of auditorium for installation of light fixture to cast light towards the front stage
2.0.43
fore stage side lighting
the rooms set at both sides of auditorium for installation of light fixture to cast light towards the stage
2.0.44
fore stage back lighting
the rooms set at back of auditorium to cast back light towards the stage
2.0.45
lighting tower
vertical steel frame for light fixture, set at both sides of main stage opening
2.0.46
lighting (cable) basket
cage type hanger set above both sides of stage, capable of lifting and horizontal movement for installation of light fixture
2.0.47
movable lighting
lighting laid on movable lamp hanger on stage
2.0.48
orchestral shell
the sound reflection device set on main stage for improving the natural sound field conditions
2.0.49
power amplifier equipment room
the room for equipment such as audio power amplifier
2.0.50
dimmer cubical room
the equipment room for light control cabinets, such as dimmer cabinet
2.0.51
audio room at stage height level
the equipment room set at stage level for laying stage audio cabinet and mobile loudspeaker
2.0.52
lighting room at stage height level
the equipment room set at stage level for laying stage lighting cabinet, etc.
2.0.53
under stage equipment electrical cabinet room
the room for understage equipment electrical cabinet
2.0.54
upper stage equipment electrical cabinet room
the room for laying upper stage equipment electrical cabinet
2.0.55
lighting control room
the operation room for controlling stage lighting system
2.0.56
sound control room
the operation room for controlling stage sound system
2.0.57
stage equipment control room
the operation room for controlling stage machinery system
2.0.58
stage manager control system
the system with functions of stage management, commanding performance signal and internal communication
2.0.59
stage monitoring (display) system
video monitoring system for observing the performance on stage
3 Site and General Layout
3.1 Site
3.1.1 The site selection of theater building shall meet the requirements of local urban planning and the location shall be reasonable.
3.1.2 The site of theater building shall meet the following requirements:
1 The site should be of convenient transportation and away from industrial pollution sources and noise source.
2 The site shall have at least one side connecting the urban road or a space directly leading to the urban road. The passing width of the urban road shall not be less than the total width of theater emergency exits.
3 The length of site along the urban road shall be determined according to the building scale or evacuation population, but shall not be less than 1/6 of site perimeter.
4 The site shall have at least two exits at different directions leading to the urban road.
5 The main entrance and exit of site shall not be in direct connection with expressway, or directly face the intersection of urban trunk road.
3.1.3 The space before the main entrance of theater building shall meet the following requirements:
1 The drop back distance of theater building from the boundary line shall meet the requirements of local planning; collecting and dispersing space shall be reserved as per 0.20m2/seat or above.
2 Layout of greening and parking lot shall not affect the use of collecting and dispersing space; obstacles should not be arranged.
3.1.4 Where the site of theater building adjoins two roads or is at the intersection, in addition to the requirement of 3.1.2 for main adjoining road and the requirement of 3.1.3 for the collecting and dispersing space in front of site, the sight distance of vehicles shall also be met, and the location of main entrance and evacuation exit shall comply with the local traffic planning.
3.2 General Layout
3.2.1 General layout of theater shall meet the following requirements:
1 The design of general layout shall provide clear function division and reasonable traffic streamline, prevent mixing of people flow, traffic flow and goods flow, and shall facilitate fire-fighting, parking and people stream gathering and dispersing.
2 The scenery vehicle shall be able to directly reach the handling entrance/exit.
3 Space for renovation and extension in future should be reserved.
4 Demand for layout of security check facility shall be considered.
3.2.2 Parking lot (garage) shall be set in newly-built and extended theater site, and the entrance/exit of parking lot (garage) shall be in convenient connection with the road; the number of parking stalls shall meet the requirements of local planning.
3.2.3 The road design for general layout of theater shall meet the passing demand of fire vehicle and freight vehicle, with the clear width and the clear height when passing through building not less than 4.00m respectively.
3.2.4 The environmental design and greening shall meet the requirements of local planning.
3.2.5 The equipment room in theater site shall not generate noise and vibrating disturbance to auditorium, stage and the surrounding environment.
3.2.6 For theater in complex building, independent entrance/exit leading to outdoors should be set; personnel collecting and dispersing space shall be set with corresponding marks provided.
4 Lobby and Lounge
4.0.1 The lobby and lounge shall meet the following requirements:
1 The traffic streamline and service partition shall be definite; ticket office, retail store, cloakroom and late waiting area should be set.
2 The minimum usable area shall be determined according to the construction class of theater and shall meet those specified in Table 4.0.1.
Table 4.0.1 Minimum Usable Area of Lobby And Lounge (M2/Seat)
Class Lobby Lounge Lobby and lounge in combination
First class 0.30 0.30 0.50
Second class 0.20 0.20 0.30
3 Where multi-floor auditorium is set in theater, the lounge area at each floor should be determined according to the number of seats on the floor.
4 For theater in severe cold and cold regions, foyer shall be set at lobby.
5 Space for security check facility should be reserved.
4.0.2 The area of cloakroom shall not be less than 0.04 m2/seat, which should be properly higher for severe cold and cold regions.
4.0.3 The late waiting area should be equipped with video equipment for broadcasting the performance.
4.0.4 The ticket office of theater shall meet the following requirements:
1 The number of ticket windows (counters) should be determined as per one for every 300 seats; the center distance of two adjacent ticket windows (counters) shall not be less than 0.90m.
2 The ticket window facing outdoors shall be set with rain cover at top.
3 Striking display should be installed at ticket office to show the program, playtime, price list, etc.
4.0.5 Toilet for audience shall be arranged in theater and the toilet shall have front room. The toilet door shall not open towards the auditorium. The male female ratio of audience should take 1:1; the ratio of women toilet cubicles to men toilet cubicles (including urinals) shall not be less than 2:1. The sanitary ware shall meet the following requirements:
1 For men's room, one closet pan is set for every 150 seats, one urinal or 0.60m-long urinal gutter for every 60 seats, and one wash basin for every 150 seats.
2 For women’s room, one closet pan is set for every 20 seats and one wash basin for every 100 seats.
3 Both the men's room and women's room shall be set with barrier-free cubicle or barrier-free room.
4 Where multi-floor auditorium is set in theater, the number of sanitary ware at each floor should be determined according to the number of seats on the floor.
Foreword i
1 General Provisions
2 Terms
3 Site and General Layout
3.1 Site
3.2 General Layout
4 Lobby and Lounge
5 Auditorium
5.1 Sightline
5.2 Seat
5.3 Aisle
6 Stage
6.1 General Requirements
6.2 Orchestra Pit
6.3 Stage Machinery
6.4 Stage Lighting
6.5 Stage Audio
6.6 Communication and Performance Control Systems of Stage
6.7 Performance Technology Room
6.8 Load of Structure for Stage
7 Back Court
7.1 Performance Room
7.2 Auxiliary Room
8 Fire Prevention Design
8.1 Fire Prevention
8.2 Evacuation
8.3 Fire Water Supply
8.4 Smoke Control and Smoke Exhaust System
8.5 Fire Alarm
9 Architectural Acoustics
9.1 General Requirements
9.2 Shape of Auditorium
9.3 Reverberation Time of Auditorium
9.4 Noise Control
10 Building Equipment
10.1 Water Supply and Drainage
10.2 Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning
10.3 Building Electrical
Explanation of Wording in This Code
List of Quoted Standards
