In our quest to uncover the designers behind AMC's new reclining seats, we did come across an unusual, oft-overlooked subgenre of furniture design: Auditorium and lecture hall seating. And in Europe at least, schools and institutions are apparently willing to shell out for the designey stuff, where aesthetics carry a premium. Case in point: The Genya system, designed by Dante Bonuccelli and produced by Italian manufacturer Lamm.

The simple, geometric form belies the workings hidden within: The backrest suspension is supplied through elastic straps, and when the seat is pulled open, gas shocks inside also lower the armrests in synchronicity.

Cleaning people have to love this system, as it looks like a breeze to get a vacuum through there and do a thorough job. Plus if you drop anything under the seat, it should be easy to spot when you get up.

Not pimp enough for you? The Catholic News Agency in Rome installed a variant that folds into the freaking floor: