Pressure fell in zones far from the AHU, resulting in inadequate airflow. Front seats were cold while rear seats were hot. Trying to overcome this imbalance by increasing fan output sharply increased power demand.
Underfloor pipes and structures resisted and obstructed airflow. Air often dispersed before reaching the intended locations.
Condensation caused by stagnant cold air or contact with metal surfaces introduced moisture and contamination into the concealed floor space, threatening indoor air quality.
Rather than simply filling the plenum, the large 400 mm fabric ducts used internal static pressure to direct air toward target locations. This enabled long-range air delivery exceeding 10 m.
Flexible fabric ducts routed around underfloor obstacles. Precisely positioned laser-cut holes controlled discharge so each diffuser beneath the seating received uniform airflow.
The fabric material provides 20–30% sound absorption compared with metal ducts. It absorbs HVAC noise that could otherwise be amplified below the floor, helping maintain a quiet cinema environment.
Permeable fabric forms an air layer at the duct surface. It prevents condensation on the duct exterior during cooling, keeping the underfloor plenum dry and clean.
The designed airflow reached even the seats farthest from the AHU, stabilizing temperature variation throughout the seating area to within ±1°C.
Minimizing static pressure loss inside the plenum reduced fan power consumption by approximately 10–15%. Displacement ventilation pushed contaminated air toward the ceiling to improve air quality.
