Multipurpose Hall India International Centre: Space, Design, and Versatility: 1 Minute to Discover the Possibilities of a Multipurpose Hall at India International Centre

I’ve planned and reconfigured multipurpose halls for conferences, performances, and exhibitions across Asia, and the India International Centre’s hall typology captures a compelling brief: one room that can be many things—without compromise. The benchmark for success is measurable. WELL v2 highlights that visual lighting and acoustic strategies have quantifiable impact on comfort and performance, and Steelcase research shows that people’s satisfaction rises when spaces adapt to their task rather than forcing a single setup. Specifically, the WELL Light concept aligns target illuminance to function, while Steelcase reports flexible environments improve perceived productivity and engagement, especially when rooms can shift between collaborative and focus modes.

Looking at event behavior, Herman Miller’s research notes that posture and support change every 8–20 minutes during collaborative sessions, pointing to the need for seating that accommodates quick transitions and varied activities. From a technical standpoint, the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) recommends horizontal illuminance for presentations in the 300–500 lux range with controlled glare; for exhibitions, accent lighting often reaches 750–1,000 lux on focal objects, while ambient levels sit lower to reinforce hierarchy. These verified ranges set the backbone for the hall’s lighting design and are crucial when swapping from lecture to performance to gallery without refocusing the entire rig.

Spatial Framework: Proportions, Sightlines, and Modularity

Multipurpose means disciplined proportions. I aim for a clear span that maintains a 1:1.5 to 1:2 length-to-width ratio—large enough for a 200–300 seat lecture with center and side aisles, but still intimate for chamber performances or panel discussions. Critical sightline geometry starts at eye height ~1.2 m and sets raker slopes or chair stagger so no one’s view intersects heads in front. For flat-floor halls, slightly offset seating grids and staggered rows improve visibility without permanent tiers.

Modularity is everything: retractable seating banks, a portable stage with 400–600 mm risers, and demountable acoustic panels that shift absorption where needed. When planning alternative layouts—banquet, classroom, theater, or open gallery—use a layout simulation tool to iterate aisle safety widths (minimum 1.2 m clear), emergency egress paths, and wheelchair turning radii (1.5 m diameter). For quick testing and visualization, the room layout tool from Coohom can help simulate seating density, stage positions, and circulation during changeovers: room layout tool.

Acoustic Strategy: Tuning for Speech and Music

Speech requires clarity (C50) with early reflections well managed; music prefers warmth and balanced reverberation. In a hall this size, I target RT60 ~0.7–1.2 seconds for speech events and 1.3–1.8 seconds for acoustic performances. Achieve this with layered surfaces: broadband absorption panels on rear and side walls, diffusion elements to scatter mid-high frequencies, and movable curtains to increase absorption during lectures or screenings. Floating the stage platform and decoupling mechanical systems reduce structure-borne noise. Add corner bass traps or membrane absorbers if amplified events push low-frequency energy.

Lighting: Layered Control for Every Mode

Plan lighting in four layers: ambient, task, accent, and decorative. Ambient LED panels or linear indirects deliver ~300–400 lux for general sessions. Task lights near lecterns and panel tables add focused illumination ~500 lux without glare, while accent track heads provide 750–1,000 lux on art, exhibits, or keynote focal points. Dimming to 1% and multi-channel zoning is non-negotiable—front-of-room glare kills visibility on screens. Keep correlated color temperature (CCT) tunable between 3000K–4000K for warm hospitality and crisp conference tones. Where standards interface with health, WELL v2 guidance for visual comfort encourages flicker-free drivers and glare control (UGR ≤ 19) in presentation zones, and IES standards provide illuminance targets for different tasks.

Color and Material Curation

Neutral, low-reflectance envelopes—deep taupes, smoky greys, or muted earth tones—prevent visual noise and screen washout. I use matte finishes (≤20% reflectance) on front walls, slightly higher reflectance on side and rear walls to keep the space from feeling heavy. Floors benefit from resilient acoustic vinyl or carpet tiles with NRC-friendly underlayment; stage decks in hardwood or composite with non-slip finish. Avoid high-gloss surfaces that bounce projector light and raise luminance contrast excessively.

Human Factors: Comfort, Access, and Flow

Behavior drives geometry. Clear wayfinding with high-contrast signage near entries and cross-aisles eases turn-taking during busy changeovers. Keep seat width 480–520 mm minimum with 900 mm row spacing for comfort during long sessions. Integrate wheelchair seating equally across the plan—front, mid, and back—so guests choose sightlines, not just compliance zones. Adjustable podium height, hearing assistance systems, and equitable mic distribution de-bias panel dynamics. For thermal comfort, aim for 22–24°C with low velocity drafts; acoustic seals at doors keep foyer chatter out.

Stagecraft: Rigging, AV, and Back-of-House

Overhead truss or grid supports mixed-use rigging: line-array mounts, masking curtains, and projection equipment. Implement standardized AV patching with floor boxes at 3–4 grid points—lectern position, panel table, mid-room camera, and rear control. Store portable risers, acoustic panels, and spare seating in a backstage zone sized at ~12–15% of total hall area to keep changeovers under 20 minutes. Lighting presets—Lecture, Panel, Performance, Exhibition—should be callable from wall stations and a mobile console.

Versatility through Furniture and Layouts

For lecture mode, theater seating in a 1:1.8 proportion hall fits 220–260 seats with dual aisles; classroom mode tapers to 120–150 seats with narrow tables and integrated power. Banquet mode demands 1.6–1.8 m table spacing for service circulation and 1.2 m egress aisles. Exhibition mode flips to open plan with islands, directional lighting, and accent walls. When iterating these setups, an interior layout planner shortens decision time and tests edge cases like overflow standing zones, equipment alcoves, and catering flow.

Sustainability and Maintenance

Select low-VOC finishes, FSC-certified wood, and LED fixtures with replaceable drivers to extend life cycles. Material selection should prioritize cleanability—solution-dyed carpet tiles and high-abrasion upholstery for seating. Daylight, if present, needs blackout capacity for screenings; otherwise, use double-layer shades to balance heat and glare. Maintenance plans with quarterly checks on rigging, emergency lighting, and acoustic seals keep performance predictable.

Visitor Experience and Cultural Programming

The hall’s personality is shaped by programming—classical recitals to policy forums—and the palette should respect diverse content. A subtle architectural identity lets art and people take center stage. Thoughtful pre-function zones with soft seating and gallery rails support mingling; integrated power and Wi-Fi sustain hybrid events. The best multipurpose halls feel like a toolkit: transparent, adaptable, and precise.

References and Standards

For verified guidance on lighting and wellness, see WELL v2 and IES standards for visual comfort and illuminance. Both inform glare control, flicker, and task-appropriate light levels relevant to multipurpose settings.

Author’s note: I’ve applied similar strategies in cultural centers where daily changeovers move from lectures to film screenings to small ensemble performances. The key is designing for movement—of furniture, sound, and light—without losing coherence.

FAQ

How much lighting do I need for lectures versus exhibitions?

For lectures, plan ambient levels around 300–500 lux with glare control; for exhibitions, use accent lighting up to 750–1,000 lux on displays while keeping ambient lower to preserve contrast, aligning with IES guidance.

What reverberation time is suitable for speech and music?

Target RT60 ~0.7–1.2 seconds for speech clarity and 1.3–1.8 seconds for acoustic music. Use movable absorption and diffusion to tune between modes.

How do I keep screens readable during daytime events?

Prioritize blackout or dual-layer shades, matte front wall finishes, and zoned dimming that reduces front-of-room luminance. Maintain UGR ≤ 19 in presentation zones.

What seating configurations work best for quick changeovers?

Retractable seating for theater mode, lightweight stacking chairs for classroom and banquet layouts, and portable risers for stage variation. Store components within a backstage zone ~12–15% of hall area.

How should I plan accessible seating?

Distribute wheelchair and companion seating across front, mid, and rear zones with 1.5 m turning radii and unobstructed sightlines. Provide hearing assistance systems and adjustable podiums.

Which materials balance acoustics with durability?

Carpet tiles with NRC-friendly underlayment, acoustic wall panels with fabric wraps, and resilient stage decking. Choose low-VOC finishes and solution-dyed textiles for longevity.

Can one hall support both chamber music and film screenings?

Yes—with layered acoustics (movable curtains, diffusion), zoned lighting presets, blackout capability, and flexible AV patching. Design for fast transitions between presets.

What planning tools help visualize layouts?

A room design visualization tool can simulate theater, classroom, banquet, and exhibition setups, test egress, and optimize seating densities. Try the Coohom room layout tool to iterate positions and flows: room layout tool.