A mounting system with supports able to be configured on site to suit the building substructure, while allowing infinite adjustment of chair positions during installation, or later reconfiguration, without disturbance of the supports and anchor bolts.
 

Installation to be simplified, with chairs simply being hung on rail, secured by integral fasteners, avoiding bulky clamps and loose nuts and bolts.
 

Attention to ergonomic requirements, particularly relating to long-term comfort and a high level of safety, with all working parts fully enclosed.
 

Accessories and upgrades to be truly modular, allowing backrest extensions, armrests or upholstery to be fitted or removed from a chair in the field without demounting or additional disassembly.
 

A genuine ability to accept in-seat information services, such as in house video, Internet, electronic catering options.

Particular emphasis is placed on external form, with nearly all surfaces contributing to the occupant's environs. The relationship to the human body is embraced, captured in proportion and reflected in its function.
 

Quantum presents a welcoming profile, inviting the spectator to fold down the seat. Once seated, the carefully considered ergonomic surfaces ensure long term comfort. Originating from proven industry standards, the seat and backrest surfaces were adjusted to suit the requirements of compact stadium seating and proven with full surface prototypes. The final result maintains the effective lumbar support generally lacking in stadium seating and exhibits exceptional comfort.

Quantum embodies a fresh approach to the stadium seating aesthetic. In a market where the traditional form is a sedate, monolithic 'bucket', Quantum presents a more appropriately dynamic appearance.
 

The chair expresses a fusion of sport and technology by emphasising the use of various materials for body contact areas and mechanical structure. The overall presence is akin to a sophisticated item of sporting equipment, with potential to heighten the spectator's sense of participation.
 

Full advantage of the gas assist injection moulding process is taken to impart a unique form to both seat and backrest. An accentuated edge detail contributes to the interpretation of these components as tailored surfaces, reinforcing the perception of comfort. This is enhanced by a more rounded overall form that broadens toward the front of the seat and the top of the backrest, implying a generous personal space. This is in sharp contrast to the expected, narrowing profile with heavy return edges typical in this market.

Tilt seating for the price-driven stadium market often compromises safety by exposing stops or tracks in the tilt mechanism to accidental contact and interference. Quantum fully encloses all working parts, providing absolute safety and reliability.
 

While a concealed counterweight is used to raise the seat, a spring ensures that it stops at a forward position, reducing the chance of a user inadvertently 'missing' the seat, while allowing extra travel rearward to assist egress.

A number of challenges were encountered and overcome during the design of the Quantum.
 

One of the first problems was achieving a high level of accommodation within a compact space envelope - conceptual explorations and ergonomic research ultimately led to an effective form that defines and enhances the personal space of the user.
 

The goal of a truly reconfigurable system required a custom profile extrusion to be developed, providing infinite adjustment for the chairs as well as utilities management for the in-seat information systems.
 

Another challenge was achieving the desired sculptural aesthetic while meeting structural performance requirements. A cross-functional approach involving industrial designers, structural engineers, and even moulding equipment suppliers has resulted in a product that is both strong and elegant.
 

Development of specific materials was critical to the success of several concepts and required custom formulation and trial to deliver the required physical properties together with appropriate levels of UV stability and fire retardancy.
 

An overriding consideration was the need to deliver the product in a compressed timeframe. In addition to compiling a strong team of people, leading design tools such as virtual modelling, computer analysis and rapid prototyping were used to their utmost to ensure the project progressed efficiently. Development work was completed ahead of schedule, allowing the high level of interest in the design to be addressed.

Central to the Quantum concept is the innovative extruded aluminium-mounting rail. This specially designed profile provides separate mounting zones for seats and supports, allowing seats to be infinitely repositioned without disturbing supports and anchor bolts. This feature, together with a captive toggle on the preassembled seat simplifies installation and reconfiguration to the point this could be undertaken by the venue operator, without the need for field service.
 

The pivot mechanism is designed for zero maintenance and provides a smooth, controlled lift action, maintaining proper alignment of the seat throughout its travel. It incorporates a higher level of refinement than found in competitively priced seating, achieved largely through the use of innovative materials developed specifically for this application.
 

The development of a compact, folding screen for provision of in-seat interactive services is a key element of the future market appeal for this product. This has been resolved to a production level and has generated global interest from service suppliers and venue operators.

Quantum utilises readily recyclable materials, and its modular nature facilitates disassembly for reprocessing.
 

The system was specifically designed to reduce waste on site with batches of chairs delivered pre-assembled under a just-in-time program. This eliminates the excessive packaging and manufacturing overruns associated with building up chairs from components on site and allows packaging to be returned to the factory for reuse.
 

On a more fundamental level the system offers venue operators the ability to upgrade rather than replace seating, reducing the overall environmental impact of the venue.

Full engineering development was undertaken concurrently with industrial design. Finite Element Analysis of structure, materials & process was carried out continuously through the refinement phase of design. The chair exceeds the most stringent international standards for commercial seating.

stage 1: Initial installation.
 

stage 2: Initial installation.
 

stage 3: Reconfigure to suit venue - reuse existing components, some new supply.
 

stage 4: Refurbishment of upholstery - reuse existing components.
 

stage 5: Major venue upgrade - reuse existing components, supply upgrade items.
 

stage 6: Refurbishment of upholstery - reuse existing components.
 

stage 7: Major venue upgrade - fit new model chairs to existing beam, return components to factory, materials recycled.

The Quantum system is a well thought out response to the emergence of enhanced functional requirements in stadium seating. It surpasses the performance of its competitors in this regard.
 

The possibilities of advanced injection moulding techniques and composite materials are imaginatively exploited in the product with a unique structural concept. Quantum embraces the idea of a renewable product, with a simple yet comprehensive system of reconfiguration and enhancement, and its ultimate ease of recyclability.
 

Quantum stadium seating has successfully introduced a fresh design approach to a traditionally generic product. It deserves a design award because it exemplifies the benefits of good design, from its simple logistical approach to manufacturing and installation, through the long term versatility it offers to the stadium operator, to the exceptional comfort and visual appeal experienced by the spectator.