The SODA Building

SODA Building Cinema: Primera Beaufort Seats Meet the Future of Digital Arts Education pen_spark

Opened in late 2021, Manchester Metropolitan University's School of Digital Arts Building is a stunning addition to their campus. The SODA building is a purpose-built interdisciplinary school designed to support the growing demand for skilled workers in the region's creative & digital industries.

Following a £35 million investment, including grants from the local authority and an advisory board headed by Trainspotting director Danny Boyle, the SODA building was designed by architects Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios and built by contractors Kier. Although the building fits the aesthetic of the existing campus buildings – it has also been designed with the capability to adapt to technological changes in the future.

Students attending MMU will now be able to study courses covering all areas of digital arts – including film, animation, UX, design, photography, sound design, gaming, AI and more. Teaching will be delivered in a range of specialist facilities such as a UX suite, music production workshops and an on-site cinema. Lab spaces and workshops supported by a unique teaching and research team will encourage collaborative learning and personal development.

When Manchester Metropolitan University were selecting seating for the cinema in the SODA building, they required a chair matching their ethos of adaptability, innovation & longevity. Ferco's Primera Beaufort seat was selected as a perfect example of a comfortable, stylish & affordable seat which is a perfect fit for any cinema or auditorium.

76 Primera Beaufort seats were installed as well as four rows of fixed tiering to provide perfect viewing positions for each person. Upholstered in a stunning orange hue of Camira Main Line Flax fabric, the seating looks stunning and is held to the highest levels of fire safety. The seat covers are fully removable for ease of cleaning.

Ferco's Beaufort seat is highly customisable to fit in any performance space. Excellent lumbar support and a high backrest make the Beaufort perfect for screening rooms of any size. The fully enclosed seat pivot ensures safety when using the tip-up mechanism, and Ferco's Wrimatic writing tablet can be fully integrated into the seat if required.

For cinemas, screening rooms, auditoriums or performance spaces of any size – Ferco Seating have a bespoke seating solution which is comfortable, stylish & affordable.