Editor: Hello Sevda Seval! First of all, thank you for taking the time to speak with us. Seatment has been a key player in the auditorium, theater, and cinema seating industry for over 20 years now, exporting to more than 60 countries. Could you tell us a bit about the different types of seating you manufacture and how they meet the varying needs of different venues?
Sevda Seval: Hello! Thank you for having me. Yes, you’re absolutely right. Over the past two decades, we’ve developed a wide range of seating solutions that cater to different venues and event types. Our primary categories include auditorium seating, theater seating, and cinema seating. Each type has its own unique requirements. For example, auditorium seating is often focused on balancing comfort with durability because these seats are used for diverse events such as conferences, lectures, and concerts. Theater seating typically focuses more on acoustics and design aesthetics, while cinema seating emphasizes maximum comfort for long viewing periods with added features like reclining options and cup holders.
Editor: It’s interesting that each seating type serves such different needs. What are the key factors you consider when designing seats for these venues? Are there specific features that have become popular in recent years?
Sevda Seval: Absolutely. Each venue has a unique set of requirements that influence the design of the seating. For auditorium seats, durability is crucial because they need to withstand heavy use. At the same time, they should provide comfort even during long sessions. Stackable or foldable options are also popular in multipurpose spaces to optimize seating arrangements. In theaters, acoustics and aesthetics are paramount. The seats need to be designed in a way that enhances the room’s acoustic profile, which can be done by using sound-absorbing materials in the fabric or structure. When it comes to cinemas, it’s all about comfort. People spend two to three hours watching movies, so the seats need to be ergonomically designed and provide features like reclining mechanisms, extra padding, and even USB charging ports for premium cinema experiences.
One trend we’re seeing across all sectors is the demand for more customizable options. Clients want to be able to choose specific materials, colors, and even add branding to the seats. Additionally, sustainable and eco-friendly materials have become a significant trend, as many venues are now trying to minimize their environmental footprint.
Editor: Customization seems to be a growing trend across many industries. Could you tell us a bit more about how Seatment addresses this demand for customized seating solutions?
Sevda Seval: Customization is indeed something that more and more clients are asking for. At Seatment, we offer a wide range of customization options, from the choice of fabric and color to the actual design and functionality of the seats. For example, some clients prefer seats with leather finishes, while others opt for fabrics that contribute to better acoustics. There’s also growing demand for seats with built-in technology, such as power outlets, wireless charging, or even LED lighting for certain premium venues. We can also incorporate logos or branding onto the seats themselves, which is particularly popular in corporate venues or high-end theaters.
What’s great about this trend is that it allows us to be more flexible in our designs and offer something truly unique for each venue. We collaborate closely with architects and designers to ensure the seats not only meet the functional needs but also blend perfectly with the overall design aesthetic of the space.
Editor: That sounds like a lot of innovation happening within seating design! Speaking of technology, are there any new technological features in auditorium and cinema seating that have become popular recently?
Sevda Seval: Yes, the integration of technology has been one of the most exciting developments in seating design. For cinemas, the trend is toward “luxury seating,” which includes reclining chairs with motorized mechanisms, adjustable footrests, and even heated seating in premium auditoriums. These features provide a more immersive experience, allowing audiences to get truly comfortable during the movie.
In auditoriums, we’re seeing a rise in seats with integrated power options, such as USB charging ports, which is especially useful in conference and lecture settings. Attendees can charge their devices while remaining seated, which adds a layer of convenience. There’s also growing interest in smart seating, where the seat can communicate occupancy data to the venue, helping them optimize seating arrangements and even monitor seat usage for maintenance.
Another innovation is the use of antimicrobial fabrics, especially after the global pandemic. Clients are more aware of hygiene, and seating manufacturers like us are responding by offering materials that are easier to clean and resistant to bacteria.
Editor: That’s really forward-thinking. You also mentioned earlier about sustainable materials becoming a trend. How is Seatment addressing sustainability in its production processes and seat designs?
Sevda Seval: Sustainability is indeed becoming a core part of our business. At Seatment, we are making a conscious effort to incorporate eco-friendly materials in our seating solutions. For instance, we’ve started using recyclable metals and plastics, as well as sustainably sourced wood in our designs. We’re also exploring fabrics made from recycled materials and those that are certified as eco-friendly.
In addition to using sustainable materials, we’ve optimized our production processes to minimize waste and energy consumption. For instance, our factory uses energy-efficient equipment, and we are constantly looking for ways to reduce the carbon footprint of our operations. Clients are becoming more environmentally conscious, and we want to ensure that we are not only meeting their needs but also contributing to a greener future.
Editor: It’s great to see that Seatment is actively working toward sustainability. As a company that has been in the industry for over 20 years, how do you see the future of auditorium, theater, and cinema seating evolving in the next decade?
Sevda Seval: I think the future will see even more focus on personalization, technology integration, and sustainability. As experiences become more digital, even physical spaces like auditoriums and cinemas will need to adapt. I see a growing trend in personalized seating, where users can adjust seats to their individual comfort levels through mobile apps or smart seat interfaces. There will also be greater attention to environmentally friendly materials and production processes.
We’re also anticipating further developments in seating for hybrid venues. More spaces are being designed for multiple uses, and the seating will need to be flexible enough to accommodate different event types, from live performances to digital presentations. Seatment is committed to staying ahead of these trends, investing in research and development to continuously improve our designs and processes.
Editor: Thank you so much for sharing these insights, Sevda! It’s clear that Seatment is a leader in this field, and we look forward to seeing how your company continues to innovate in the years to come.
Sevda Seval: Thank you for having me! It was a pleasure to discuss these topics with you.