6.14 Fixed Seating Venues
6.14.1 Accessibility to fixed seating venues
Fixed seating venues refer to places where permanent seating arrangement for audience are provided such as theatres, auditoriums, lecture halls, conference rooms, arenas and stadiums (6.14.1a). Universal access to the seating area as well as back of stage facilities should be provided.

The use of removable or folding seats will facilitate flexible arrangement of accessible spaces inside the fixed seating venue.

Access to ancillary facilities such as toilets, changing and rehearsal rooms, information and signage, low level lights, assistive listening systems are essential.

6.14.2 Accessible route
All major levels within the fixed seating venues shall be accessible and linked up by ramps (6.14.2a).

Accessible route also serves as a means of escape in case of emergency and the layout of accessible spaces inside the fixed seating venue should not cause any obstruction to the accessible route.

Provide an accessible route from the wheelchair seating locations to the stage and performing area (6.14.2b) where access is provided to the stage from within the fixed seating venue. In addition, an accessible route that coincides with the route for performers should be provided to the backstage area. Access to the stage should be by means of a ramp or a platform lift.

Accessible route should be continuous at all major levels and lead to essential facilities such as toilets and refreshment area.

Provide two to three pairs of entrance doors at each major access point to cater for the large amount of audience. The door opening width should allow the wheelchair users to pass through comfortably. Doors equipped with light touch opening device and delay action auto-closing device are desirable.