Project overview

Durham Museum USA

Location: North Carolina, USA

The Durham Life and Science Museum recently embarked on a transformative upgrade to its guest facilities, with a clear focus on improving accessibility and enhancing the visitor experience. As part of this initiative, the museum sought a flexible seating solution that could adapt to various event formats while maintaining the highest standards of safety and inclusivity.

To meet these needs, we delivered a custom-designed Seatway TP travelling unit featuring double-depth rows.

Solution

This retractable system offers complete mobility within the venue, allowing staff to reposition the seating configuration to suit different layouts and audience sizes. The telescopic platform was designed as double row depth solution to overcome the limited height within the space and therefore maximise capacity.

Safety and accessibility were central to the design. The unit includes graspable rails on both sides, providing secure handholds for users navigating the tiers. A front flex row accommodates wheelchair users, ensuring inclusive access without compromising seating capacity. Intermediate steps are fitted with non-slip nosing to reduce the risk of slips and falls, and drapes beneath the unit prevent unauthorised access to under-seat areas, maintaining a clean and secure environment.

The installation comprises 76 Gallery 3 chairs integrated into the retractable system, with an additional 25 HDS chairs supplied for extra seating during high-attendance events. This solution not only enhances the museum’s operational flexibility but also reflects a thoughtful approach to safety and universal design.