Entertainment - TK Architects

10.31 2023

FEC Conversion: Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing

by Trevor Ruhnke, Principal

January, 15th 2024

Welcome back! If you’ve been following along, you know we’ve been on a journey of transformation, exploring the prospect of turning a section of your traditional theatre into a dynamic entertainment facility. We have delved into the architectural and structural aspects, laying the ground work for a space that promises a multitude of revenue stream opportunities. As we continue our exploration, it’s time to shift our spotlight backstage — the Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing systems. In this next installment of our blog series we reflect on the intricate dance of these systems and how their modification plays a pivotal role in bringing our entertainment projects to life!

Mechanical

Auditorium HVAC systems are designed to serve large numbers of people at high density within the space. This design translates very well to an entertainment concept. Although the number of customers is reduced, there is an offsetting increase in the needed cooling load from games and other electrical equipment. Often, the existing equipment may be re-used to serve the new space’s layout. However, evaluations of the equipment are warranted at this time. If the equipment is near the end of its useful life, replacement with newer, more efficient, equipment during the construction phase will be less impactful. Replacement equipment will also be tailored to the new layouts and required loads. Any new equipment may remain in the original location to help reduce cost and impact.

Although ductwork and distribution systems would often continue to function appropriately, the aesthetics may be poor. Many entertainment complexes utilize an open ceiling concept. Ductwork designed for above ceiling installation is typically rectangular with flexible ductwork extending to ceiling mounted diffusers. In an open ceiling situation large round ductwork painted to match the structure is normally seen. However, in some situations the ductwork may be painted a contrasting color matching the rest of the facility to provide another element of interest.

Facility changes often also include expanded food and beverage options. If the facility does not already have a kitchen or cooking options, this is the time to add them. If cooking is limited, expanding the cookline and menu is a good pair with the new entertainment options. This typically includes a true Kitchen exhaust system with grease hoods like you find in restaurants. While cooklines are traditionally located in the back of house areas they can also be in view of the customers adding a unique visual element.

Electrical

Many parts of the entertainment complex have high electrical demands whether that is from arcade games, bowling equipment, or general AV equipment. Luckily, auditoriums also have a high electrical demand. Although the requirements are different between the two space types often the original Theater electrical distribution is adequate for most conversions.

Often electrical panels serving auditoriums are located on the mezzanine near the projection equipment. If the mezzanine is to be retained during the renovation, it is possible they can be re-used. However, it may be more cost efficient to relocate or replace the panels and install them closer to the new equipment. If the mezzanine spaces are to be removed for the new space design new electrical distribution is generally needed. Replacement of a portion of the distribution can allow for better consolidation of circuits and a more efficient and cost-effective construction.

Bowling systems generally require additional electrical infrastructure. Additional panels are needed to separate the pin equipment and scoring equipment. There is a difference in electrical load requirements between traditional bowling equipment and newer string type systems. While electrical modifications do not typically drive the choice of options to include in an entertainment renovation, careful consideration can help minimize the cost impact.

Plumbing

Renovation from auditoriums to entertainment often leads to a reduction in the code required occupant count. This means the total number of required restrooms is reduced. Since the restrooms are often located near the promenade, they may need to be relocated to accommodate the open floor needed for the entertainment concept. New restroom locations must be coordinated with the slope of the underfloor piping system and that can dictate the final locations.

If the facility does not already have a kitchen, then a grease waste system and grease trap will be required. Traditionally adding the system requires a grease trap installed outside of the building. In some instances, with a smaller cooking operation an in-floor model may be acceptable. Whichever system is included, periodic grease removal and maintaining the trap is of utmost importance.

If a bar or kitchen is added during the renovation, this often requires significant removal of the floor in on grade buildings to facilitate installation of piping. This is needed for drainage, drink line conduits, and sometimes water piping. Coordination between Architectural and MEP design can help remove some of these requirements, helping to lower costs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there is no doubt that converting auditoriums into Entertainment Centers is the next big thing in the Cinema industry. These transformations mean patrons are staying longer and spending mor money in your facilities. What’s not to like about that!!

Trevor , Principal

09.20 2021

Lessons Learned and the Way Forward in the Wake of the Pandemic

By Mike Cummings | No Comments

September 2021 Michael Cummings, Sr. Principal

I was fortunate to participate in an International Cinema Technology Association panel discussion at CinemaCon. ICTA President Frank Tees served as the moderator and ICTA Vice President (International) Jan Runge interviewed Thomas Van de Weerd, proprietor of the (Any)thing cinema with their first private cinema located in the Netherlands. I was joined on the panel by creative, passionate, and driven exhibitors Tim League of Alamo Drafthouse, Bobbie Bagby of B&B Theatres, and (via video) Crispin Lilly of Medi-Cinema and former CEO of Everyman Cinema.

The exhibition perspective on lessons learned and the way forward was well represented, and I focused on the design perspective. Four specific design lessons learned are touchless service, prioritizing cleanliness, importance of ventilation, and the increased role of technology. Some aspects were going to occur eventually anyway, but the pandemic accelerated their implementation.

Let us now turn to the fun design stuff

Touchless Lobby and Concessions

The transition to technologically enabled touchless service was occurring before the onset of Covid, but its adaptation was greatly accelerated. The lobby and concessions envisioned below uses large graphics for visibility throughout the lobby, QR codes coupled with loyalty apps for ordering, and separated pickup conveniently around the corner. The concession preparation area is enclosed with glass providing customer visibility into the kitchen while maintaining separation, cleanliness and avoiding direct contact between concessionaires and customers.

What else have we learned from the pandemic? Without diving deeply into exhibition, the business partnership between studios and exhibitors has changed; by necessity during the “closure/lockdown” portion of the pandemic, and new rules on the relationship continue to evolve. There is no doubt that this new relationship will result in a need for fewer auditoriums. Movies will be in theatres for shorter periods and there will also likely be fewer exclusive theatrical release titles. This should incentivize exhibitors to utilize auditoriums (and/or auditorium and lobby space) for other sources of revenue. Among the diverse revenue-generating concepts are:

E Sports & Gaming

This is not an arcade but a competitive eSports and/or gaming space. It can be a competitive coliseum (like the first image) or a more socially oriented space. Either approach works well with auditorium-sized spaces, as well as for other uses and content. These fast-growing markets will surely bring new customers to your facilities.

VR/AR/MR

Virtual reality, augmented reality, and/or mixed reality are key components of entertainment. These gaming focused applications of technology are also “spectator sports’ and should be coupled with a bar and extended food service. VR/AR/MR have also shown to be an effective medium for storytelling under the direction of skilled filmmakers. There are exciting developments underway.

Private Cinema (Flexible use Auditoriums)

Private Cinema rental existed prior to the pandemic but provided a real lifeline to exhibition during it. What if you designed small auditorium spaces for a variety of uses including traditional private cinema? They are in essence a private entertainment space that can include first-run feature films, legacy films, subscription service entertainment, sports, music, esports, and other events, meeting space, karaoke, and virtual reality. The key is designing them to provide multiple uses.

Adult Lounge

Many cinemas already include bars and expanded food services. What about providing adjacent entertainment options to keep customers there longer. Options include duckpin and mini-bowling, darts, billiards, pickleball, interactive walls, ax throwing, ping pong, foosball, air hockey, yard-zee, chess, Jenga, shuffleboard, cornhole, bocce, and countless others.

Outdoor Space as Revenue Generating

Can the space outside your building also be used to generate revenue? If you changed your theatre from traditional to recliner seating, you may have more parking spaces than you need. Perhaps part of that space can be converted to revenue generation. Drive-in theatres were the most common use during the pandemic. Many people remain more comfortable gathering in outdoor spaces than indoor. These combine to create a unique opportunity to monetize the parking lot and create a new first impression of your facility for your customers.

Exhibition will be forever changed by the Pandemic. It has survived for more than a century because it is resilient and changes with the times. I believe that we have entered a new period of reinvention, and innovation. Spurred by entrepreneurial exhibitors like Thomas Van de Weerd, Tim League, Bobbie Bagby-Ford, Crispin Lilly, and others who will be leading the way into the future and the next big things for exhibition.

Michael Cummings Sr. Principal