Building by Use: Culture and Leisure

Seating in Public Event Spaces

Ensuring inclusion in events with tiered seating requires the allocation of well-positioned, appropriately sized accessible spaces for people with disabilities and their companions. These spaces should not be isolated or difficult to reach, and signage must be clear. Protective barriers should balance safety and visibility, meeting resistance standards and undergoing regular maintenance to ensure their integrity.

Places for wheelchair users integrated into event bleachers. Complementary signage and safety measures such as handrails and free spaces.
  • Designate wheelchair-accessible spaces throughout the seating area, measuring at least 1.50m x 1.00m, integrated with the audience to allow companions to sit alongside.
  • Provide more than one adjacent space for wheelchair users attending together.
  • Avoid placing these spaces in isolated or hard-to-reach areas.
  • Ensure a minimum clearance height of 2.20m for ease of movement.
  • Install clear signage indicating the location and availability of accessible seating.
  • Ensure protective barriers safeguard both the audience and event staff.
  • Barriers should balance safety and visibility, reducing height to 70cm for better sightlines while withstanding a horizontal force of 3 kN/m at the top edge and a uniform vertical force of 1.0 kN/m at the outer horizontal element.
  • Regularly check compliance with safety standards and structural integrity.
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