Modular area or space for hosting public events

Abstract

A modular area or space (10) for hosting public events such as theater, music and other events, fashion shows, nightclubs, esports, video game events, conferences, digital art exhibitions, immersive and non-immersive installation displays, and well-known entertainment and art-related events, including a modular stage / audience area that is reconfigurable and includes a stage (or performance area) (12) and audience seating (or audience area) (14) arranged at a height level that gradually increases from the center outwards, having movable panels (15) that can be extended and retracted relative to multiple portions (12') of the stage (12) to completely cover / uncover the audience seating (14), means for actuating the movement of the movable panels (15), and means for constraining the movable panels (15) in a fully extended / retracted configuration.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to modular areas or spaces for hosting public events.

[0002] More specifically, the present invention relates to a modular area or space for hosting public events such as theater, music and other events, fashion shows, nightclubs, esports, video game events, conferences, digital art exhibitions, immersive and non-immersive installation displays, and well-known entertainment and art-related events. Background Technology

[0003] As is well known, venues for music or other performances or events, whether theaters, arenas or concert halls, are usually permanent buildings that also serve as landmarks in the urban environment, and their construction is both time-consuming and expensive.

[0004] Once completed, these structures retain a standardized internal layout, which limits modifications and adjustments to accommodate performance types different from those originally designed for.

[0005] Examples of traditional performance venues consisting of a stage and seating facing each other are well-known. In addition to the traditional timetable of theatrical seasons, these areas have been proposed for use in corporate events, parties, concerts, festivals, and conferences. However, due to the static nature of the stage and seating, they have many limitations. In fact, this hinders the interaction and immersive experience between the stage and the audience. Indeed, in the classical theatrical setting, the seating area cannot be altered unless structural modifications or complex and costly demolition are carried out, which also requires the storage of materials removed from the seating and / or the materials needed for their reconfiguration. The same applies to the stage.

[0006] However, even the latest generation of theaters with automated retractable seating (i.e., a type of seating that includes a mechanism for folding and unfolding a tiered platform including the seats, which is typically folded or unfolded manually row by row) has a significant drawback; these solutions do not allow for incremental adjustments of the stage's extension relative to the audience seating to create, for example, "full stage" or "full audience seating" structures, according to specific configuration preferences.

[0007] As is well known, so-called “mobile” theaters (designed to accommodate nearly 2,000 people) consist of prefabricated structures that can be reconfigured to suit the specific needs of the performances they host, including shed-style structures (e.g., the RePower Theater in Asago, Italy).

[0008] However, these types of theaters are shed-style structures, characterized by simple structures, small spans, and low load-bearing capacity, and therefore cannot meet the needs of modern large-scale performances.

[0009] However, while these types of structures can reconfigure space, they cannot perform functions similar to fixed buildings such as performance venues. For example, they cannot support multimedia video programs, nor can they organize a large number of high-load performance equipment in such spaces.

[0010] Solutions to these technical problems can be found in WO2016142396, which describes a theater seating arrangement that can be adjusted to different configurations, wherein the space reserved for the stage and the space reserved for the audience alternate to ensure that the surface areas of the stage and the audience can be expanded / reduced as needed; the theater seating arrangement mentioned in the above document defines a movable cover for the audience seating, which is created by multiple panels that define additional walking surfaces adjacent to the stage, located below a portion of the stage (leaving a portion of the audience seating empty), and can be arranged to be placed on at least one seat in the audience seating to cover them.

[0011] However, even this solution has several major problems.

[0012] In fact, the described theater seating does not allow for effective and safe access for audiences to / from the seating area without the need to follow a spiral path. Furthermore, the theater seating does not address issues related to air handling in the theater area, which is discharged from below and drawn in from above, and must ensure that the potential for contaminants to spread among the audience is limited, because, as the document states, covering the seating area with movable panels in an extended configuration would obstruct the proper distribution of air from below (e.g., due to the exhaust vents being at audience height level) and the proper passage of sound from the speakers (as they are also positioned at audience height level). Summary of the Invention

[0013] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the above-mentioned disadvantages.

[0014] More specifically, the purpose of this invention is to define a modular area or space for hosting public events, which allows for rapid and simple step-by-step configuration / reconfiguration according to specific needs, up to a total stage / audience seating area.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide a modular area with fully automated configuration changes.

[0016] Another object of the present invention is to define a modular area or space that is adapted to optimize safety and logistical standards related to spectator entry and exit from the seating area.

[0017] Another object of the present invention is to provide a modular area or space that is suitable for optimizing the service management of the audience seating area, such as air conditioning, sound diffusion, etc.

[0018] Another objective of this invention is to provide users with a modular area or space solution for hosting immersive public events that guarantees high reliability over time and can be easily constructed.

[0019] These and other objectives are achieved by the present invention having the features described in claim 1.

[0020] According to the present invention, a modular area or space is provided for hosting public events such as theatrical, musical and non-theatrical events, fashion shows, nightclubs, e-sports events, video games, conferences, digital art exhibitions, immersive and non-immersive installation displays, and similar entertainment-related activities. This includes a modular stage / seat area that is reconfigurable and comprises a stage and seating areas arranged at progressively higher levels from the center outwards. The stage and seating areas have multiple retractable and extendable movable panels relative to the stage for completely covering / uncovering the seating area. The seating area consists of fixed seats that can rotate 360° independently.

[0021] In addition, means for actuating the movement of the movable panel and means for constraining the movable panel in a fully extended / retracted configuration are provided.

[0022] Preferred embodiments of the invention can be seen in the dependent claims. Attached Figure Description

[0023] The construction and functional features of the modular area for hosting public events according to the present invention will be better illustrated by the following detailed description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate embodiments for illustrative purposes only and not for limitation purposes, wherein:

[0024] Figure 1 A top plan view schematically illustrates one embodiment of the modular area or space of the present invention for hosting public events, according to the layout configuration.

[0025] Figure 2 A top plan view schematically illustrates an embodiment of the modular area or space of the invention according to another layout configuration;

[0026] Figure 3 schematically shown Figure 1 or Figure 2 A side sectional view of one embodiment of a modular region or space;

[0027] Figure 4 An axonometric view schematically showing a portion of the modular area or space of the present invention in a covered seating configuration;

[0028] Figure 5 An isometric view schematically showing a portion of the modular area or space of the present invention in a seat-opening configuration;

[0029] Figures 6 to 11 The illustration schematically depicts a series of operational steps for a layout configuration variant of an embodiment of the modular area or space for implementing the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The modular area or space of the present invention for hosting public events, generally indicated by 10 in the figures, essentially defines a modular stage / audience seating area suitable for modification according to specific requirements associated with the events held therein. It includes a stage 12 and audience seating 14, arranged at progressively higher levels from the center outwards. The audience entrance / exit area is located at a lower level than the stage. Movable panels 15 can be extended freely and are equipped with special slits or openings to ensure that air conditioning (e.g., when the audience seating is covered by the movable panels) is supplied. Figure 3 (As indicated by the "X" arrow in the image) are evenly distributed from bottom to top at the audience height level.

[0031] The movable panel 15 can extend from a portion 16 below a portion 12' of the stage 12, which represents a technical area also including the air conditioning ducts 18, to cover the audience seating 14 and the seats 14' therein without requiring the seats to be disassembled, removed, and stored; the movable panel 15, placed on the lower periphery of the audience seating 14, completely covers the audience seating itself (e.g., Figure 2 As shown), this configuration defines a fully walkable surface that is permeable to air conditioning supply, forming an extension of stage 12.

[0032] Due to the movement of the movable panel 15, as described in further detail below, the walkable surface of the modular area can be reconfigured. For example, when all panels are in an extended position above the seating area, the walkable surface can be defined as a kind of "plaza," suitable not only for street theater performances but also for exhibitions, installation displays, nightclubs, etc. In this configuration, the walkable surface presents as a single surface with different but continuous inclinations, with a slope between 0% and 6%.

[0033] This configuration is possible because the stage 12 and the audience seating 14 are composed of corresponding adjacent and alternating parts, which extend according to corresponding spiral paths or according to concentric geometry (circular, triangular, square or similar shapes) according to the embodiment shown in the figures. The central stage part 12'' is movable, can be lowered or raised, and in the case of a circular central stage, can be rotated according to the vertical axis.

[0034] The movement of the movable panel 15 is performed by an actuator that controls the movable panel 15 to be pulled out from part 12' of the stage 12 to cover part 14 of the audience seating, or to be reinserted into part 12' of the stage 12 to reveal part 14 of the audience seating.

[0035] Figures 6 to 11 The steps for moving the movable panel 15 are shown in the diagram.

[0036] Figure 6 A portion of the modular area is schematically shown, with the audience seating 14 being opened up to allow access to spectators seated in fixed seats 14' that can rotate 360° on their own (preferably with a limited number of adjacent rows of seats (2 or 3 rows) with a center distance between the seats between 0.80 and 1.2 meters, thus ensuring space for rotation and minimal contact between spectators). The movable panel 15 is located completely retracted inside under a portion 12' of the stage 12, more specifically, it is housed in a receiving chamber 16' of a portion 16 below the stage 12.

[0037] When a configuration change is required that the audience seating 14 with corresponding seat 14' be covered, the modular area performs the following sequence of steps:

[0038] - The movable panel 15 is moved outward from part 12' of the stage 12 by an actuator 20 defined and hinged by a telescopic arm (e.g. Figure 6 (As indicated by arrow "A" in the image), until it extends fully relative to the aforementioned portion 12';

[0039] -Actuator 20 causes the movable panel 15 to perform a vertical translational lifting motion (e.g. Figure 7 (As indicated by arrow "A1"), so that it is removed from the plane of part 12' of stage 12;

[0040] - In this position, a portion of the end 15' of the movable panel 15, which is normally folded below the movable panel (and which contacts the lower surface of the panel opposite the upper surface defining the travel surface), is rotated (as...). Figure 8 (As indicated by the arrow "R"), so that it is arranged coplanarly with the upper surface (or walking surface) of panel 15, thereby defining a single uniform surface therewith (this movement is always performed by actuator 20).

[0041] - The movable panel 15 with the connecting end 15' translates a small distance in the direction opposite to the pull-out direction (e.g., Figure 9 (as indicated by arrow "A2" in the image).

[0042] -Then position the movable panel so that it is coplanar with multiple sections of stage 12 (relative to the front and rear of the center panel); then,

[0043] – The drive pin 24, which is included in the thickness of portion 12' of stage 12, is translated to engage in a dedicated socket formed in the thickness of movable panel 15, thereby defining the constraint of the movable panel relative to the plurality of portions of stage.

[0044] If additional seating space 14 is required, the configuration change will involve moving the movable panel 15 to reposition it within part 12' of the stage 12 according to the reverse sequence of steps described above.

[0045] The control unit manages the selection and movement of the movable panels 15 according to specific configuration requirements, pulling these panels out to cover the audience seating 14, or repositioning them within a portion 12' of the stage 12 to reveal the audience seating.

[0046] As described above, the movable panel 15 is provided with special slits or holes to ensure uniform distribution of air conditioning airflow. Its system, particularly the distribution ducts (identified by duct 18), is housed in a portion 16 below the stage 12 (especially below the portion 16' that houses the movable panel 15). Furthermore, it includes hot or cold air exhaust vents arranged at the audience height level and behind the seats themselves on the seats 14' of the audience seating 14, the air being discharged from below (e.g., Figure 3 (As indicated by the arrow "X"), this ensures circulation, which greatly reduces the potential spread of viral particles among the audience.

[0047] The aforementioned air distribution system can also function as a disinfection system for the audience seating area by introducing disinfectant substances (e.g., sodium hypochlorite (0.1%-0.5%), ethanol (62%-71%), or hydrogen peroxide (0.5%)) into the system, for the complete disinfection of the audience seating area between performances.

[0048] As can be seen from the above, the advantages of the modular area or space of the present invention for public activities are obvious.

[0049] The modular area or space of the present invention for hosting public events advantageously allows for quick and easy configuration / reconfiguration of the stage / audience seating without human intervention (except for activities such as maintenance or replacement of components or repairs).

[0050] Another advantage of the invention is that, due to its modular configuration, the area or space is very flexible and can be used for a variety of activities in a short period of time and on the same day.

[0051] Another advantage of the modular area or space of the present invention is that the extension of the stage or audience seating can be modified in a fully automatic manner according to the specific usage requirements of the area.

[0052] This advantage translates into cost benefits when it comes to changing the configuration of activity spaces or areas, as no operator intervention is required to change the configuration, resulting in shorter operation time and thus lower associated costs compared to manual intervention.

[0053] Another advantage of this invention is that it allows for the optimization of safety standards related to spectator entry and exit from the seating area.

[0054] Although the invention has been described above with particular reference to embodiments thereof for illustrative and non-limiting purposes only, many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description. Therefore, the invention is intended to cover all modifications and variations within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A modular area or space (10) for hosting public events such as theater, music and other events, fashion shows, nightclubs, esports, video game events, conferences, digital art exhibitions, immersive and non-immersive installation displays, and well-known entertainment and art-related activities, characterized in that, It includes a modular stage / audience area that is reconfigurable and includes a stage (or performance section) (12) and an audience seating area (14), the audience seating area (14) including two or more rows of seats (14') that are rotatable 360° on their own axis, arranged on a height level that increases outward from the center, having movable panels (15) that are retractable relative to multiple sections (12') of the stage (12) to completely cover / uncover the audience seating area (14), means for actuating the movement of the movable panels (15), and means for constraining the movable panels (15) in a fully extended / retracted configuration.

2. The modular region or space according to the preceding claims, characterized in that, The stage (12) and the audience seating (14) consist of corresponding adjacent and alternating sections.

3. The modular region or space according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that, Multiple sections of the stage and audience seating extend along corresponding spiral paths or along geometric shapes such as circles, triangles, or squares that are concentric with the central section (12'') of the stage (12).

4. The modular region or space according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The central portion (12'') of the stage (12) can move downwards, upwards and / or rotate.

5. The modular region or space according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that, Each movable panel (15) is housed in a housing (16') of a portion (16) below a portion (12') of the stage (12).

6. The modular region or space according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that, It includes an actuator (20) comprising a telescopic hinge arm connected to a single movable panel (15) for pulling out and re-inserting the movable panel (15) relative to a portion (12') of the stage (12).

7. The modular region or space according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that, Changing the configuration of the modular area to cover multiple portions of the seating area (14) includes the following sequence of steps: -The movable panel (15) is translated outside the portion (12') of the stage (12) by means of the actuator (20) until the movable panel is completely pulled out of the portion (12') of the stage; -The actuator (20) causes the panel (15) to perform a vertical translation lifting motion, causing it to leave the plane of the portion (12') of the stage (12); - The actuator (20) rotates the end (15') of the movable panel (15), which is normally folded under the movable panel, so that it is arranged to be coplanar with the upper surface of the panel (15) to define a single uniform surface therewith. -The actuator (20) causes the movable panel (15) to translate a distance in the opposite direction to the pull-out direction; - The movable panel (15) is moved downward and positioned on the same plane as multiple parts (12') of the stage (12), with the audience seating (14) located in the middle of the multiple parts; - A pin (24) is extended in the thickness of the portion (12') of the stage (12) to engage in a dedicated socket formed in the thickness of the movable panel (15), thereby defining the constraint of the movable panel relative to the plurality of portions of the stage.

8. The modular region or space according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The configuration changes of the movable panel (15) relative to the multiple parts (12') of the stage (12) are performed automatically by the control unit.

9. The modular region or space according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The movable panel (15) includes slits for uniform distribution of air conditioning air supply, the air conditioning air supply distribution duct is housed in the portion (16), and hot or cold air exhaust outlets are arranged behind the seats (14') of the audience seating (14), the air being discharged from the bottom to the top of the modular area.

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