Hospitality projects including Convention Centers, Auditoriums, large private meeting spaces and especially larger hotels require dynamic, multi- functional space to provide a diverse array of needs. Intimate business meetings, wedding receptions, large-scale conferences, major International Conventions each require unique different sized and flexible spaces to accommodate their needs.
Fixed architectural layouts present significant limitations, hindering revenue potential and the ability to meet the requirements of all potential clients. Movable/operable wall systems are the solution offering unparalleled flexibility and seamless reconfiguration. Well thought out meeting room sizes combined with correct product selection, acoustic needs, ease of set-up and aesthetics will result in a revenue generating feature and future proof the buildings assets in this highly competitive market.
The fundamental principle for dividing large hospitality spaces such as ballrooms is to enable quick and easy subdivision into smaller acoustically separate rooms. This division allows for simultaneous events of varied layouts tailored to specific needs. Having varied size meeting areas will attract a broad spectrum of customers. Below is a table that contains recommended square footage per person to ensure comfort, productivity and adequate space for movement and equipment. These are guidelines only: the true optimal size is fluid and must adapt to the specific function of the space.
Table 1: Recommended Square Footage per Person and Room Capacities
| Group Size (People) | Recommended Square Footage (Sq Ft / Sq M) | Typical Room Dimensions (Feet / Meters) | Common Uses/Layouts | Rationale |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4-6 | 100-150 sq ft (9-14 sq m) | 10 x 10 ft (3 x 3 m) | Small meetings, brainstorming, phone calls, casual collaboration | Ensures comfort and personal space for small groups; allows for a central table and clear pathways. Standard 15-25 sq ft (1.8-2.3 sq m) per person. |
| 8-10 | 150-300 sq ft (14-28 sq m) | 10 x 25 ft (3 x 7.5 m) | Regular team meetings, larger discussions, traditional conference room | Provides ample space for a larger table arrangement (e.g., U-shape, boardroom) and comfortable seating. Accounts for movement around the table. Standard 15-25 sq ft (1.8-2.3 sq m) per person. |
| 10-12 | 200-300 sq ft (19-28 sq m) | 10 x 25 ft (3 x 7.5 m) | Medium to large team meetings, training sessions | Allows for more expansive table setups or a combination of seating and presentation space. Maintains comfort and productivity. Standard 15-25 sq ft (1.8-2.3 sq m) per person. |
| 16-20 | 350-500 sq ft (33-46 sq m) | 15 x 25 ft (4.5 x 7.5 m) | Large gatherings, training, small presentations, classroom/mini auditorium | Accommodates multiple rows of seating and/or tables, a dedicated presentation area, and necessary aisles. Ensures clear views and comfortable working conditions. Standard 15-25 sq ft (1.8-2.3 sq m) per person. |
| 30-50 | 500-1,000 sq ft (46-93 sq m) | 20 x 25 ft (6 x 7.5 m) and more | Conferences, company-wide meetings, workshops, events with flexible AV setups | Requires significant open space for flexible seating arrangements, multiple AV setups, and potential breakout zones. Allows for dynamic movement and various configurations. Standard 15-25 sq ft (1.8-2.3 sq m) per person. |
| 40-50+ | 700-1,000+ sq ft (65-93+ sq m) | Varies, often large ballrooms | Large conferences, banquets, exhibitions, multi-session events | Designed for maximum flexibility, often subdivided by movable walls. Requires generous circulation space, clear lines of sight, and robust AV infrastructure. Standard 15-25 sq ft (1.8-2.3 sq m) per person, with additional space for staging, catering, and circulation. |
The standard recommendation for conference room size is 15 to 25 square feet (1.8 to 2.3 square meters) per person. This allows for comfortable seating, personal space and freedom of movement. It also factors in necessary table space, typically 24 inches (61 cm) per person and adequate distance between chairs, generally 24-30 inches (61-76 cm) to prevent overcrowding.
Possible Layouts of Meeting Rooms
The choice of a layout significantly impacts the capacity and comfort of a space even within the same total square footage.
Theater/Auditorium Style: Seating arranged in rows facing a stage. Ideal for maximizing capacity for large groups with minimal need for participant interaction. Corporate presentations or major meetings.
Classroom style: Rows of tables facing a speaker. Educational training, seminars. Attendees can take notes or use computers.
U-shaped Style: Tables arranged in a “U” shape with an open center promoting team member participation and communication. Less than 20 people. Video conferencing.
Boardroom Style: Rectangular or oval tables with seating on all sides. Important executive meetings or conferences.
Banqueting Style: Series of round tables each seating 8 to 10 people. Social events, awards ceremonies, dining functions.
Movable Walls – Analysis of each type
To achieve the recommended square footage/person and accommodate the optional layouts, the owner and Design team must anticipate and predict what will be required to achieve the desired end results. They should also work with the movable/operable wall supplier to learn as much as they can about the various configurations, each model’s limitations, features, benefits, acoustic qualities, aesthetic options. Wall systems are designed to offer flexible solutions. Limiting what the systems can do should be avoided.
Below is a comparison chart briefly describing the most common panel configurations (single, paired, continuously hinged – all manually or electrically operated) and construction (solid panels or glass panels).
Table 2: Movable Wall Model Comparison
| Model Type | Operational Mechanism | Key Advantages | Key Disadvantages | Typical STC/Rw Range | Storage Implications | Ideal Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single Panel | Manual or Electric/Automatic | Ultimate flexibility for layouts, individual panel movement, remote storage capability, excellent for complex designs. | Can be more complex to operate manually for large setups, may require more storage space if not designed with remote stacking. | Varies by construction (e.g., solid 37-58 STC, glass 15-51 STC) | Remote stacking in dedicated pockets/bays. | Multi-purpose facilities, conference centers, hospitality, convention facilities requiring diverse, complex layouts. |
| Paired Panel | Manual | Quick and easy setup for straight lines, hinged in pairs, no auxiliary storage track needed, durable for frequent use. | Less flexible for non-linear layouts, storage typically linear at the end of the opening. | Varies by construction (e.g., solid 37-58 STC) | Linear stacking at opening end; no auxiliary track needed. | Classrooms, meeting rooms, office spaces, straight-line openings with frequent use. |
| Continuously Hinged | Electric/Automatic (often) | Very quick and seamless setup as a single unit, ideal for long, uninterrupted partitions, automated operation reduces labor. | Primarily for straight-line openings, less layout flexibility, higher initial cost due to automation, potential for malfunction if not high quality. | Varies by construction (e.g., solid up to 52 STC) | Stacks as a single unit, often in a pocket or recessed area. | School gyms, hotels, board rooms, large straight openings where rapid deployment is key. |
| Glass | Manual or Electric/Automatic | Maximizes natural light, creates open/spacious feel, modern aesthetic, customizable with films/opacity for visual privacy. | Generally lower acoustic performance than solid (especially frameless), sound flanking issues if not properly sealed, less privacy if untreated. | 15-51 STC (15 STC for frameless, up to 51 STC for framed/laminated acoustic glass). | Varies by operational type (single, paired, hinged). | Lobbies, pre-function areas, executive offices, areas where light and visual connection are desired. |
| Solid | Manual or Electric/Automatic | Superior acoustic privacy and sound insulation, strong sense of separation, wide range of aesthetic finishes. | Blocks natural light, can make spaces feel smaller/darker, less visual transparency. | 37-58 STC | Varies by operational type (single, paired, hinged). | Conference rooms, ballrooms, private meeting areas, spaces requiring high confidentiality/quiet |
One of the more significant decisions will be between manual or electric/automated systems. Automated wall systems offer significant advantages in terms of speed, ease of use and reduced labor requirements, manual systems offer increased reliability due to their simpler mechanics. For a hospitality client the financial impact of downtime caused by a malfunctioning automatic system can far outweigh the labor savings. What is more important: maximum speed and minimum labor costs using automatic wall systems or reliability and ease of maintenance by using manual wall systems?
It is strongly recommended that hospitality designers and owners thoroughly discuss their expectations for the layout and sizes for meeting rooms. Involving a movable wall manufacturer in these discussions discussing the above considerations in addition to storage areas, aesthetics, acoustics, accessories such as writing surfaces, pass through doors is paramount for success.
