Theater View vol.02 / Auditorium Case Study - Kotobuki Seating Group /
Special Interview：Ibusuki Citizen Hall Busan Concert Hall/ Huntington Theatre/ Okayama Performing Arts Theatre, Harenowa/ Menicon Theater Aoi/ May Theater/ Guild Hall/ The Dee and Charles Wyly Theatre/ Horizon Theatre/ Theater Mirano-Za Topic: Historic Preservation
A theater reborn, unveiling new excitement.
Auditoriums and Theaters Case Studies
To continue to find new customers and be a place where the charm of the community shines through.
As time has passed since their opening, many auditoriums and theaters have come to require renovation or equipment replacement.
People have become accustomed to modern, comfortable seats and spaces, and building standards, such as accessibility, have changed.
In response to these social changes and needs, many facilities have used their renovations to move into a new era, aiming to become places that will be loved for many years to come.
Historic preservation is also important, as it embraces the dynamic, historic designs of America.
The Kotobuki Seating Group, which has a long history of creating, maintaining, and renovating spaces for public facilities, will present the latest examples of renovations at auditoriums and theaters that continue to transcend regional and national borders.
Ibusuki Citizen Hall Main Hall
Interview
Chief and General Manager of the Cultural Facilities Management Section／Cultural Facilities Management Section, History and Culture Division／Ibusuki City Board of EducationMasafumi Kamimura
Chief Examiner／Architecture Section, Architecture Division (also serves in the School Maintenance Section, School Equipment Office)／Construction Department, Ibusuki City HallHiroyuki Nagayama
p. 12
p. 10
Huntington Theatre
p. 16
Okayama Performing Arts Theatre, Harenowa Grand Theatre/Pit Theatre
Main Hall
Concert Hall
Playhouse
p. 20
Okayama Performing Arts Theatre, Harenowa
p. 22
Menicon Theater Aoi
p. 24
May Theater
Busan Concert Hall
p. 26
Guild Hall
p. 27
p. 28
HARU chair Case Studies Revitalization
Renovations
Renovations
Interview
Sharing the charm of the region : Creating a facility open to both professionals and residents
Chief and General Manager of the Cultural Facilities Management Section／Cultural Facilities Management Section, History and Culture Division／Ibusuki City Board of Education
Masafumi Kamimura
Chief Examiner／Architecture Section, Architecture Division (also serves in the School Maintenance Section, School Equipment Office)／Construction Department, Ibusuki City Hall
Hiroyuki Nagayama
A new civic hall was opened in Ibusuki City in Kagoshima Prefecture on July 31, 2022. Built as a base for arts and culture which contributes to cultural creation and the improvement of the local economy, Ibusuki Citizen Hall is comprised of a main hall as well as a foyer where visitors can relax and enjoy exhibits and a creative activity room. The seats have been given original upholstery designed for Ibusuki Citizen Hall. We spoke with Kamimura Masafumi of the Ibusuki City Board of Education and Hiroyuki Nagayama of the Ibusuki City Hall in this interview. We asked them about their thoughts on the new civic hall and the future prospects for it.
Ibusuki Citizen Hall
New civic hall aiming for integration with existing facilities through the consolidation of facilities
Q. Please tell us the circumstance that led to the rebuilding of Ibusuki Citizen Hall.
Kamimura: The current Ibusuki City was formed with the merger of the old Ibusuki City, the old Yamagawa Town in Ibusuki County and Kaimon Town also in Ibusuki County in 2006. The civic hall in the old Ibusuki City was built in 1969 The building was deteriorating as it had been 53 years since its completion. The annual cost of repairing the facility had also become quite expensive. Therefore, there was talk of either rebuilding it or undertaking major renovations on it. It was ultimately decided to rebuild it after exploring and discussing various options.
Q. The new civic hall is also in a different location, isnʼt it?
Kamimura: Yes. The new civic hall was designed keeping in mind the line of flow with the Nanohana-kan from the basic design stage. Nanohana-kan refers to the Fureai Plaza Nanohana-kan community center built by Kagoshima Prefecture in 1998. The south side of the facility was given to Ibusuki City. Accordingly, it was decided to build the new civic hall on the grounds of the Nanohana-kan and to utilize the facilities on an integrated basis. We are consolidating the facilities such as by combining the meeting rooms.
Q. You moved the facility to the new location to consolidate the facilities. What kind of hall was the civic hall in the old Ibusuki City?
Kamimura: It was a large hall with a capacity for 1,120. It was used by 40,000 to 50,000 people a year. It had a high occupancy rate. However, we decided to build the new civic hall to be a medium-sized hall with the capacity for 800 to 900 from perspectives such as the need for spacious seating and the declining population. We ultimately decided on a capacity of 805
Nagayama: The population is aging as it is declining. Therefore, we have designed the hall to facilitate accessibility for the elderly and disabled while complying with the current Building Standards Act and related laws and ordinances. We have aimed to build a hall which all visitors can use comfortably taking into consideration ease of use such as with multipurpose restrooms and wheelchair seating.
Q. The new civic hall has been completed. What do you think of it?
Kamimura: I was moved close to tears when the stage curtains and seats were installed after the construction work progressed and the interior was completed.
Nagayama: Me too. I truly felt I was going to cry when I stood at the back of the stage and looked out over the entire hall. I remembered the various adjustments we had made up to that point.
Kamimura: Speaking of the facilities, the foyer on the first floor is distinctive. We initially planned for it to be stately like a hall. However, we had it changed to give off a brighter atmosphere. That is because we wanted the foyer to be a space where residents who enjoy playing ground golf and other games on the lawn outside the building can freely enter and exit. We hope it will be a place of relaxation like a café to them where they can use the restrooms and take a break at the table seats and benches. Normally, a civic hall is not a place where you would go more than a few times a year. We would be happy if anyone can use it as a place for interaction by entering and exiting anytime freely.
Nagayama: Therefore, we open the foyer on an everyday basis. The restrooms here are clean. There are also high chairs and nursing rooms. Those are important points for those with children.
Create a comfortable main hall which can be used by both professionals and residents
Q. Please tell us about the points you focused on in the main hall.
Nagayama: First, is the shape of the hall. This is the first hall in Ibusuki City to have acoustic reflectors on the walls as well as the ceiling. We looked at just having reflectors on the ceiling at one point. However, we envisioned two patterns: a hall where music is played and a hall with a stage. Different reverberation times were set for each. The numbers that need satisfying differ for music which resonates and for a stage where voices are made easy to hear. Therefore, we carefully supervised the construction of the hall with the construction workers.
Kamimura: The previous civic hall never hosted private cultural events. The new civic hall has outstanding acoustics equipment. Therefore, we want those like the Kagoshima Symphony Orchestra to come here and perform. Another problem was that only certain people used the civic hall in the past. We would like to provide opportunities and spaces for those who have not used the civic hall before and those who have never been on stage in the future. This is a slightly extravagant hope. Nevertheless, the hall was designed with such ideas in mind.
Q. What do you think about the seats in the hall?
Kamimura: I was in a different division of the Board of Education at that time. However, at one point, two theater seats were placed in our office. One was a regular seat often seen while the other was the Spacia that we adopted this time. The staff of the Board of Education were asked to sit on these two different types of seats and to then vote on which one was best. As a result, we decided on this shape (Spacia). I remember performing the seating comparison and then casting my vote.
Nagayama: My predecessor said that the Spacia seat was “very comfortable to sit on.” This may not be so much of a concern to young people. Nevertheless, we decided to adopt the Spacia seats because you do not feel tired even if you sit in them for a long time with consideration for the elderly.
Kamimura: As you know, Ibusuki is a hot spring resort. There are also many accommodation facilities here. Therefore, sports training camps and similar are popular. We are also making an effort to attract them. The new civic hall will host recitals and festivals for the elderly such as dance performances. The visitors to those events will then stay nearby. We hope the facility will be used for cultural training camps like this. It was from this perspective as well that we decided to introduce Spacia seats.
1 Upholstery fabric with a pattern based on Narikawa-style pottery that was excavated in Ibusuki City, depicting geological layers and the magnificent nature of Ibusuki City 2 Upholstery motif: the natural landscape of Ibusuki City and dynamic geological layers 3 Upholstery motif: Narikawa-style earthenware excavated from the Ibusuki Hashimuregawa Site (a designated National Historic Site) 4 Elevator doors: a uniquely Ibusuki design, combining pottery patterns as waves, the city flower (the hibiscus), and the city butterfly
Adopted an original design which conveys the charms of Ibusuki for the upholstery of the s eats
Q. How did you decide on the upholstery with an earthenware motif?
Kamimura: My predecessor decided that the seat upholstery would be an original design rather than a ready-made product. We started from the idea that it would be best to use something distinctive of Ibusuki.
Nagayama: I was surprised that something like that was even possible. The concept we initially came up with was to pass on the scenery of Ibusuki. In addition, we received designs using motifs such as the cityʼs butterfly, the great orange-tip and the cityʼs flower, the hibiscus. We also had a design using the motif of earthenware. There was even talk of using Kaimondake*1
*This is a 924 -meter-high volcano located at the southern tip of Satsuma Peninsula. It is one of Japanʼs one hundred famous mountains.
Kamimura: You really gave us a variety of ideas. Ultimately, the division responsible for the civic hall and other cultural facilities is the History and Culture Division. Therefore, we thought a design related to history would be good.
Nagayama: We also conducted a questionnaire in the Architectural Division where I work. The opinions in that questionnaire were divided so neatly I was surprised. It was a close result. It is predictable, but Ibusuki is famous for hibiscus, so that is what we chose. Nevertheless, the History and Culture Division was in charge of making the decision, so we all guessed that they would choose something different.
Kamimura: There are curators in the History and Culture Division. They have been in museums for a long time. Therefore, it is only natural that they came to the conclusion
that “we should incorporate ancient elements because the History and Culture Division is in charge.”
Q. Iʼve heard that Ibusuki is home to historical heritage.
Kamimura: That is right. We have the Hashimuregawa Ruins. This is a nationally designated historic site in Ibusuki. The Hashimuregawa Ruins are important ruins. They academically prove for the first time the chronological relationship between the Jomon period and the Yayoi period and onward. The relationship had not been clear before then. When you are in a place like that, you canʼt help but feel a strong connection to ancient times. The Narikawa-style earthenware* incorporated into this design was excavated at that site.
*This is earthenware from the Kofun period distributed in the southern Kyushu region.
Nagayama: We had that design incorporated into the upholstery of the seats this time. We decided to go with the image of “being enveloped in ancient times” when you sit down in the seats. I think we ended up with a unique design distinctive of Ibusuki.
Q. It appears that the design you did not choose for the upholstery of the seats was used for the elevator doors.
Nagayama: The result of the questionnaire in the Architectural Division was not forgotten. I donʼt remember exactly, but I think I was the one who suggested that.
Kamimura: It is at the perfect spot visually to welcome guests in the foyer. It is still in the consideration stage, but there is also talk of a desire to use the design in the pamphlets for the civic hall. There is a possibility of using the design for aloha shirts or polo shirts as well. There are various possibilities for the future. I am looking forward to see them come to fruition.
As a way to promote the city to attract people to Ibusuki
Q. The entire civic hall has become a tool to convey the charms of Ibusuki, hasnʼt it?
Kamimura: There are still people who, despite living in the area, do not know about the Hashimuregawa Ruins or Narikawa-style earthenware incorporated into the upholstery design of the seats. Of course, we will welcome educational field trips by elementary schools. We hope to take the fact these elements have been incorporated into this seat design to spread the word about them.
Nagayama: The image of Ibusuki is generally of hibiscus. However, I feel the design created for us this time is the best. Coming-of-age ceremonies will be held here in the future. Therefore, we can use such opportunities to convey this history to young people. We hope to see people in the know tell their friends and family members about this: “In fact, this pattern is….”
Q. That would be wonderful. Finally, please tell us about the future prospects for the civic hall.
Kamimura: Ibusukiʼs population is currently declining. Accordingly, we are trying to increase the nonresident population. We will focus our efforts on independent cultural
projects at the new civic hall. We want to attract visitors to use the many accommodation facilities here and to hold wind orchestra and other training camps and contests. We would like to increase the nonresident population by attracting people from outside the city in this way. We hope that will lead to the revitalization of the city.
Q. We would be absolutely delighted if our seats and upholstery design play a part in promoting the city of Ibusuki. Thank you for speaking with us today.
Interview date: June 2022
DATA
Location／Ibusuki City, Kagoshima
Client／Ibusuki City
Textile Design／Fabriko Co., Ltd.
Opened／Jul., 2022
Seating Capacity／ 805
More Details ▶
Upholstery Design
The seat upholstery in the hall of the Ibusuki Citizen Hall was designed by our group company, FABRIKO Co., Ltd. based on a request from Ibusuki City. After multiple meetings with Ibusuki City, we proposed several ideas based on their opinions and requests on three themes such as Ibusuki Cityʼs flower, butterfly, Kaimondake and Narikawa-style earthenware. The upholstery has a vermilion base with the geometric stripes based on the earthenware patterns woven with colorful and shiny threads. This means the impression given off changes depending on the angle at which they are seen and how the lighting hits them. This gives the entire audience seating a rich range of appearances. The colors used in the city emblem are woven into these shiny weft threads. This produces a design which is truly distinctive of Ibusuki City with attention to detail.
Busan Concert Hall
Concert Hall
The Busan Concert Hall is a dedicated classical music concert hall that will open in June 2025. The venue is intended to help redress cultural imbalances between regions, provide homegrown artists with new opportunities to perform and prevent the outflow of excellent human resources since Busan has faced infrastructure improvement issues regarding its performance facilities. Along with the Busan Opera House which will be completed in 2027, the Busan Concert Hall is attracting attention as a new landmark in Busan and a dedicated classical music concert hall representative of Asia.
Location／ 250 , Dongpyeong-ro, Busanjin-gu, Busan, 47197, Korea
Client／Classic Busan
Design／DMP
Textile Design／Fabriko Co., Ltd.
Open／June 2025
Seating Capacity／ 2 011
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World-class dedicated classical music concert hall opening in Busan
In June 2025, a new music hall will open in Busan, the largest port city in Korea. The design motif for the exterior of the concert hall building is that of a vessel advancing on the shimmering waves. Featuring an appearance fused with the design concept of likening the entire building to a musical instrument, the building consists three floors above ground and a basement floor, includes a grand hall with 2 011 seats (the Concert Hall) and a small hall with 400 seats (the Chamber Hall) and has a total floor area of 19 , 862 m2 . The Concert Hall was constructed in the vineyard style that has been used for worldclass concert halls such as the Berliner Philharmoniker in Germany and Suntory Hall in Japan. The seats surround the center stage, rising up in rows like terraced fields. It is a concert hall of the world's highest standard dedicated to classical music. It is equipped with an advanced acoustic sound system and a pipe organ from Freiburger Orgelbau, Germany that has over 4000 pipes, 64 stops, and four keyboards.
Seats designed in pursuit of a comfortable classical music experience
To truly be a world-class concert hall for enjoying classical music, we pursued the creation of an interior and audience seating that would be worthy of such a hall. The people involved paid thorough attention to details in the construction of the interior and the audience seating, including Mr. Myung-Whun Chung, a world-renowned conductor who is also the artistic director of the Busan Concert Hall. For the auditorium chairs, seats from Kotobuki Korea Co., Ltd. are used. It is a KOTOBUKI SEATING CO., LTD. group company that has a good reputation because it supplied the seating for the LOTTE Concert Hall that opened in 2016. The seats are original chairs with a special design for the
Busan Concert Hall. The seats use a lot of wood to harmonize with the bricks used to decorate the interior of the hall. For visual appeal, the backrests are tapered upward to make each of the seats stand out, with the structural members of the legs concealed and the backrest cushion filled with a large amount of urethane foam. Two quilted lines on the backrest cushion accentuate the overall look of the seating area, enhancing its charm. It is very important to being seated comfortably because you usually relax and lean back in the chair when listening to classical music. The ergonomic seat supports your entire back while you are seated, having the backrest designed in a way that reduces burden on your back and lumbar and the built-in waveform spring that distributes body pressure evenly to prevent buttock pain as much as possible. You can sit back at a relaxed state to immerse yourself in the world of classical music. Some of the audience seating is fold-down removable seating. When you lift the chair slightly, the casters on the legs are unlocked. Then you can lean the backrest forward and easily store the chair even in low-height storage places. The design of the venue makes it possible to flexibly arrange audience seating in line with the type of event.
The color scheme for the seating area for creating an atmosphere specific to the Busan Concert Hall
The upholstery of the chairs uses four different red hues, creating a glamorous atmosphere. The front seats are light red. The red hue becomes deeper as the level of the seating rises. The different red colors are arranged at random but in a gradient manner. FABRIKO Co., Ltd., a member of the Kotobuki Seating Group, was responsible for the original upholstery and color scheme. The organic vineyard-style seating area creates an atmosphere that is unique to the Busan Concert Hall. When you step into the hall, it will raise your spirits.
Renovations
Huntington Theatre
The Huntington Theatre opened in 1925 as the first non-profit theater in the United States. It is loved by those who visit and has been called America's first civic playhouse. The major phase-one renovations that began in March 2020 and carried on for the next 941 days repaired and modernized the theater. The purpose of these renovations was three-fold. The first objective was to restore the building while preserving the beauty of the original architecture. The second was to upgrade the facility features and to provide better amenities. The third was to introduce universal design and to facilitate accessibility for the elderly and disabled. The accessibility and sustainability of the entire facility were also taken into consideration during the renovations.
Location／Boston MA
Client／Huntington Theatre Company
Design／Bruner/Cott Architects
*Revision design
Renewal Open／Oct., 2022
Seating Capacity／ 739
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The reopening of a historical Boston theater
On October 10 , 2022 , the Huntington Theatre, a beloved spot of Bostonians, reopened after nearly two and a half years of renovations. The renovations included new seats in a layout that makes it easier to see the stage from all of them and a new sound system in addition to other improvements to ensure a higher-quality theater experience. The Huntington Theatre will celebrate its 100 th anniversary in 2025 . In time for its anniversary, it has been reborn as an updated, more comfortable space.
Comfortable and functional seats that give the auditorium new life
The two-level auditorium has 739 tomato-red seats that arc around the stage. The seats are between 19 and 22 inches (482 to 558 mm) wide. While 150 seats have been removed, the size of the individual seats has been increased for greater comfort. The seats have been changed from a design with a rounded upper back that makes each seat stand out to a straight-line design that creates a sense of continuity with the adjacent
seats to produce a sense of unity. The beauty of the layout is undeniable when you look across the whole of the theater. Kotobuki Seating's Cadenza, TS-71 series of theater seats were chosen for the auditorium. The seats were handled by our New York-based Kotobuki Seating International, Inc.
The Cadenza is one of Kotobuki Seating's most popular theater seats. The backrest offers a three-dimensional shape that hugs the body, and the seat has a built-in corrugated spring that evenly distributes body pressure to ensure comfort even after sitting on it for many hours.
The lower part of the backrest is curved toward the seating surface to allow more foot space for the seat behind. This makes the series the perfect option for situations where there is limited space between the seats or when renovating an old facility such as this one.
Spacia, which was specifically developed to offer a more comfortable seating experience, was chosen as the seat. The end of the seat is thin and when viewed from the side, is triangular to allow users to pull their legs in closer when seated. This means users do not have to stand up between performances to let people pass. It is also healthier for the user as it allows more freedom of posture and prevents reduced blood flow.
Original specifications for the Huntington Theatre
The seats have been customized to fit the Huntington Theatre with elaborate design features throughout.
One of these features is the padding on the backrest. While most seats are designed so that some of the wood trim of the backrest is showing, the Huntington Theatre has extended the padding all the way to the edge of the backrest. The soft cushions and upholstery provide more extensive support for the body.
Another special design feature is the donor plaques. Each armrest contains a plaque with the name and a message of a person who made a donation for the new seats. The softly shiny brass plate adds to the high-quality feel of the seats.
There are also several spaces in the seating area for wheelchair users. In addition to spaces for wheelchair users, there are also
seats that are the same as the other seats for wheelchair users too. The legs of these seats face toward the aisle to make it easier to move onto them from a wheelchair. Wheelchair spaces are located on the left and right, and in the front and back. This was a specific consideration by the theater to allow wheelchair users the same level of choice as to where they watch the performance from.
The second-level balcony seats are equipped with stacking chairs that can be used flexibly according to the performance.
The HARU chair, TS- 1212 stacking chairs are designed to provide the same level of comfort as fixed theater seats thanks to the three-dimensional curved backrest and comfortable seat cushion.
The Huntington Theatre has begun a new chapter in its history with these renovations. It is hoped that the audiences and artists who visit will breathe new life into this historic theater.
Okayama Performing Arts Theatre, Harenowa Grand
Theatre
The Okayama Performing Arts Theatre, Harenowa has opened as a facility with the functions of both the Okayama Civic Hall and the Okayama City Civic Culture Hall. It is found in a district called Sennichimae which has a long tradition in the business of entertainment. It once bustled as a town of recreation lined with playhouses and movie theaters. The nickname of “Harenowa” was decided through a public contest. It is a theater which creates a “hare” (special) space where it is possible to enjoy extraordinary stage experiences in everyday life. The name contains the hope that it will become a familiar theater to residents and spread out a circle of specialness through the city of Okayama.
Location／Okayama City, Okayama
Client／Okayama City
Textile Design ／ Fabriko Co., Ltd.
Opened／Sep., 2023
Seating Capacity／ 1 753
A “hare” (special) place where you can experience the ultimate in the performing arts
The Okayama Performing Arts Theatre, Harenowa held its grand opening on September 1 2023. This is a facility long-awaited by the residents of Okayama Prefecture.
The Grand Theatre is used for a diverse range of performances: from operas, concerts, theatrical plays, and dance and other large-scale public performances to traditional performance arts, pop music and rock music. It is a “hare” (special) place where you can experience the ultimate in the performing arts. The 16 7-m deep stage and stage equipment incorporating the latest technologies realize large-scale performing arts staging and various other performances. The interior, which makes extensive use of wood, and the vibrantly colored audience seating combine to create a resplendent atmosphere suitable for a “hare” (special) place.
Audience seating allows the stage to be seen easily from any seat
The 1 753-capacity audience seating stacked in three stages has been arranged in a gentle arc as though encircling the stage.
The audience seating has been carefully designed to allow the stage to be seen easily from any seat.
The seats in the front of the center block in the first stage are arranged in a staggered pattern alternating between the front and back rows to enhance visibility. The floor slopes downward toward the seats at the both ends of the front rows in the second and third stages. The floor of the balcony seats beyond that also slopes down toward the stage. In this way, the seats at the front are closer to the stage while the seats at the back have an easier line of sight to the stage. The height of the seat and legs has been adjusted to align with the conditions at that place so that there is no feeling of discomfort when using the seats.
1 Upholstery motif: sunlight, shimmering, prisms, and the spectrum of light
2
The vermilion-colored seating, which expresses a sunny afternoon, creates a sunny atmosphere in the theatre 3 The sloping floor design near both ends of the front rows of the second and third levels descends toward the end seats, making it easy for the audience to see all the way to the stage
Seats for Harenowa which create a comfortable viewing environment
We arranged the seats for Harenowa based on Unizon which are characterized by a feeling as if holding you. The backs are slightly tapered toward the top and are trimmed gently roundly. Widening the gap between adjacent seats has reduced the feeling of oppression and produced a more open feeling in the audience seating. The seat number plates have an L shape along the front and edge of the back panels. This makes it easier to find your seat. Spacia was adopted for the seats. The feature of these seats is that it is possible to secure a wide space at your legs. The shape, which becomes thinner toward the ends, enhances the freedom of movement of your legs when you are sitting down. The seats have a universal design. It is possible to smoothly stand up and sit down because you can pull your legs under them deeply. Original corrugated springs have been built into these seats. The springs were developed through many years of
research by Kotobuki Seating. Accordingly, users can sit down in them comfortably for a long period of time.
The original textile by FABRIKO Co., Ltd. adds a touch of gorgeousness to the audience seating. This design was made for Harenowa to express “a sunny day” on the theme of “Okayama: the Land of Sunshine.” When the lighting hits it, it reflects brilliantly. This makes the theater look even more elegant.
We have installed handrail bars on the ends of the seats on the aisle side in the audience seating in the steeply sloping second stage. These handrail bars, which give a sense of security to those passing through by allowing them to place their hands on them at that time, are connected with metal fittings rather than being directly attached to the backboards. Accordingly, it secures a reasonable distance from the heads of those seated in the audience. Handrails independent from the seats are installed in the even steeper sloped third stage to ensure the safety of the audience.
4 The upholstery is based on the sunny Okayama concept, as the area has many sunny days, a mild climate, and abundant nature. When illuminated, it reflects the light and makes the theatre more colorful and lively. 5 The Spacia seats are thinner toward the seat edge, which gives the legs more freedom when seated and provides a large foot space 6 Stability handles allow for safe walking when on the steep second-level seating area, as they can be held on to when passing by
The Pit Theatre expands the possibilities of expression through imagination and creativity
The Pit Theatre at the Okayama Performing Arts Theatre, Harenowa features a fixed stage and does not even have seating.
Theatres can utilize the freedom and creativity of artists, and in this way, they can be used for performing arts, as well as music and small gatherings.
DATA
Seating Capacity／ 300
*Maximum seating capacity
Okayama Performing Arts Theatre, Harenowa Playhouse
The Okayama Performing Arts Theatre, Harenowa embodies the concepts of "Attract," "Gather," and "Create." Through the creation and sharing of culture and the arts, we aim to nurture citizens who are familiar with culture and art, along with theatre people and artists who will support the theatre of the future. We also aim to create a lively city and an emotionally vibrant community.
In addition to the Playhouse, the facility also features the Grand Theatre for operas and other large-scale performances, the Pit Theatre for creating a variety of performing arts, the Art Salon, and practice studios. The facility is open to the public, with artwork by local and international artists on display in open spaces.
Location／Okayama City, Okayama
Client／Okayama City
Textile Design／Fabriko Co., Ltd.
Opened／Sep., 2023
Seating Capacity／ 807
1 The difference in step height between the front and back is more than 30 cm, and a conical seating area with the audience seemingly looming over the stage 2 Upholstery motif: the sky, flickering starlight, and the countless stars twinkling in the majestic sky, based on the clear night theme inspired by Okayama
3 The custom-made upholstery based on the concept of a clear night, which was inspired by Okayama's beautiful starry sky, creates a lustrous atmosphere throughout the entire seating area
The Conical Seating Area Offers a Sense of Unity Between Stage and Audience
The Playhouse, which makes you feel the abyss of space, is an 801-seat theatre used for performing arts performances such as stage plays, dance, and traditional performing arts, as well as musical arts performances. In the Playhouse, the audience feels so close to the stage that they can almost hear the performers' voices and breathing without a mic. The seating area is conical, with the Row Rise getting larger as one moves toward the rear. The difference in step height between the front and back is more than 30 cm. When you stand on stage, it is as if the audience is looming over you. The front seats on the first tier and the second tier are in a staggered layout, allowing the audience to see the stage from any seat.
Attractive Seating with a Clear Night Motif,
Seating is lined up straight toward the stage and arranged based on Unizon, as in the Grand Theatre. The backboard and cushions have a linear trim in contrast to the Grand Theatre. The cushions were designed to show a solid wood edge when viewed from the front. Combined with the sharp lines that shape each seat, this gives the
entire seating area a clean, uncluttered effect. At the same time, in contrast to the seat's appearance, the triple-curved shape of the backboard and cushions gently wrap the body when viewed from the side, with an S-shaped curve that follows the spine and a curve that hugs the back when viewed from above.
The Spacia seats are thinner toward the seat edge. This gives the legs more freedom when seated and provides a large foot space.
The universal design also allows for easy standing and seating.
The upholstery, designed specifically for the Playhouse by FABRIKO, further enhances the space-like mood. Like the Main Hall, the Playhouse, with its sunny Okayama theme, was designed to represent a clear night with a beautiful starry sky. It gives the entire auditorium a shadowy, attractive atmosphere.
Creating
the Optimal Environment for Every Performance
The first five rows of seating can be removed and taken away from the floor. Simply remove the temporary fixing bolts holding the floor to the base of the chair and gently lift the chair, and the seats will roll away. The floor of this area features a trapdoor that can be raised and lowered, and it can also be used as an orchestra pit.
Menicon Theater Aoi
The Menicon Theater Aoi Building is a complex facility home to the office space for those working at Menicon, a café and the Menicon Theater Aoi comprehensive arts theater. It opened in April 2023 as a place to contribute to the cultivation of the local community and the development of culture. The main theater of the facility plays host to high-quality artistic works as a hub to create and share culture. In addition to creating opportunities for personnel involved in the creation and production of stage performances, it is aiming to be a place where local residents can encounter a variety of other people’s expressions and where they can also express themselves.
Location／Nagoya City, Aichi
Client／Menicon Co., Ltd.
Opened／April 2023
Seating Capacity／ 301
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A theater where you can experience the wonderfulness of “Miru (seeing)” Duck
them comfortably.
The Menicon Theater Aoi opened in April 2023. The desire to open this theater came from Mr. Hidenari Tanaka. Mr. Tanaka is the Chairman and CEO of the contact lens manufacturer Menicon Co., Ltd. He “wants many people to share the wonderfulness of ʻseeingʼ with all their five senses including vision.” The Menicon Art and Culture Memorial Foundation was established by his company, which has supported the promotion of culture and education over many years, in 2021. This foundation became a public interest incorporated foundation in April 2023 to coincide with the opening of the Menicon Theater Aoi. Mr. Tanaka also serves as the Representative Director of the foundation. The foundation is using the hall to contribute to the promotion of culture and the arts. The theater was designed mainly for theatrical play performances. Nevertheless, it has the equipment to enable authentic music performances. This equipment includes a system for controlling reverberations and acoustics as well as a grand piano. The 301 -capacity audience seating arranged in a steeply sloped stepped pattern brings the audience closer to the stage to provide a powerful viewing experience. The difference in height between each step has been set high at 242 to 272 millimeters. Combined with the staggered arrangement of the central block, it is possible for audience members to immerse themselves in performances without the heads of those in front of them obstructing their field of vision when sitting down.
The greatest focus is the shape of the seats which support most of the userʼs body weight. Duck Tail Seats were adopted. The rear of these seats rises up gradually like the tail of a duck. This firmly supports the lower back of the user. In addition, it distributes the body pressure by increasing the area in which the body of the user is in contact with the seat. That reduces fatigue from sitting for a long time. The seats also incorporate Spacia. Spacia becomes thinner at the ends so that the legs of the user can be brought deeply under the seat when sitting down. Widening the range of mobility of the legs increases the freedom of movement in posture when watching events. It is possible to stand up with your feet still pulled back without placing your hands on the armrest or elsewhere. This allows for easy movement with minimal shifting of body weight. Combined with the three-dimensionally shaped backrest stuffed with plenty of urethane, this produces a comfortable seating experience.
The backrests of the seats facing the aisles are equipped with handles to assist audience members moving up and down them. The design using the wood of the backrests enhances functionality while naturally blending in without spoiling the image of the audience seating.
The gorgeous red upholstery worthy of a theater envelops the cushions. This highlights the audience seating. The unusual decorations accented by beaded edges in the same color as the wood gives a special and fine-quality impression.
The seats, which were chosen after those involved shared their opinions in Kotobuki Seatingʼs showroom, are brimming with thoughtful consideration so the audience can spend their time in
1 Duck tail seats that increase the area of contact between the seat back and body to disperse body pressure and reduce fatigue caused by prolonged seating
2 The Spacia Seats allow a seated person to stand up easily without striking the armrests 3 The middle section, which offers the best view of the stage, has had its frontage widened to 550 mm for flexible use as seating for more expensive seats and invited guests
Renovations
May Theater
Opened in 1985, Suita City Cultural Hall, known as 'May Theater,' is a multipurpose hall that is home to facilities such as a Main Hall, a Middle Hall, a Small Hall, and exhibition rooms.
In addition to the seating, the renovations included the installation of elevators in the foyer of the Main Hall, the renewal of restrooms (equipped with bidet seats that have warm water), and the updating of interior signage throughout the venue. With the ceiling renovations in the hall, acoustic reflector panels and other elements were also updated to further enhance the acoustic performance. This has elevated the facility’s status to a highprecision sound facility.
Location／Suita City, Osaka
Client／Suita City
Textile Design／Fabriko Co., Ltd.
Renewal Open／Sep., 2020
Seating Capacity／ 1 , 382
Long-awaited reopening of
the 'May
Theater' after renovations
The May Theater (Suita City Cultural Hall), which was constructed in 1985, underwent extensive renovations to improve safety and earthquake-resistance in the wake of the 2018 earthquake.
The renovations focused particularly on improving the seating area's comfort and convenience with a strong emphasis on accessibility for the elderly and disabled. Eventually, the longawaited reopening took place in September 2020
Design upgrade and seating comfort through seat replacement
Kotobuki Seating renovated the seating in the three halls (Main, Middle, and Small) of the facility.
The 1 382-seat Main Hall, with its comprehensive stage equipment and an orchestra pit, is suitable for concerts as well as operas, ballets, and other performances.
After approximately 35 years since its completion, signs of wear and tear, such as deteriorated upholstery and foam, were visible on the seats. In response to Suita City's request to improve seating comfort and create a fresh impression, we replaced the seats. The previous seats had fully upholstered backrests. However, we used ample wood in the backrests and armrests of the new seats to enhance the overall aesthetic feel. We reduced the thickness of the backrests to create more space between the seating rows as compared to the prior setup. Through this change, we achieved one of the goals for the seating area - a sense of privacy.
The seat is designed to have the seat cushion wrap around the seat's backboard. The seat uses built-in molded urethane that
retains its shape and corrugated springs with excellent durability that distribute body pressure evenly. Our aim was to reduce the impact during sitting and minimize the strain on the body even over extended periods.
Audience seating with the feel of Satsuki
The upholstery used for the seating is a custom-made product crafted by Kotobuki Seating's group company FABRIKO Co., Ltd.
The design takes inspiration from the 'satsuki' flower, which is not only the city's symbol but also the source of the hall's name.
To harmonize with the meticulously chosen wall tiles, we employed a geometric pattern depicting the stamens and pistils of the satsuki flower. The base, with two random stripes of red, adds depth to the color and is designed to make stains less noticeable. Departing from the previous classical and muted color scheme, the revitalized 'satsuki color' now adorns the hall with a bright and vibrant touch.
The greatly transformed appearance of the hall has garnered high praise from the citizens.
We also ensured accessibility for the elderly and disabled in the hall as was one of the key goals for these renovations. We increased the wheelchair seats from five to 12. At the same time, we also installed handrails for the seats located behind the firstfloor's central aisle and for the second-floor seats. The large rounded handrails make it easier for everyone to navigate stairs and walkways safely.
Through these renovations, Suita City Cultural Hall has now transformed into a safe and comfortable space. It is poised to continue being a beloved venue for the citizens for many years to come.
1 Seating with generous space in front and behind, creating a sense of privacy 2 Seating with a geometric upholstery design that matches the interior and is based on the name of the May Theater and the city flower, the Satsuki azalea 3 Upholstery motif: rhododendron, the city flower 4 After renewal 5 Before renewal
Guild Hall, Hilarie and Mitchell Morgan Theater／
East
Hampton, NY, USA
Guild Hall renovated, reviving 90-year tradition
In July 2024, Guild Hall, a longtime favorite in East Hampton, NY, was renovated. Designed by architect Aymar Embury II in 1931 , Guild Hall was one of the first cultural complexes in the United States. The goal of the renovation is to preserve the historic architecture while improving the sound, lighting, and other functional aspects of the building to meet modern performance needs.
Inside the theater, the iconic circus-tent ceiling and balloon chandeliers were retained, while the seating was redesigned to be larger and more comfortable.
Audience sightlines and seating comfort have been improved by widening the spacing between seats while securing space for the orchestra pit. Elegant chair design and accessibility enhancements have also transformed the theater into one that will delight a wider audience. This will allow Guild Hall to continue to support the arts and culture of the region and continue to make new history.
Client／Guild Hall
Design／ Peter Pennoyer Architects
Renewal Open／July, 2024
Seats／ 299
THEATER MILANO-Za HARU chair Case Studies
Shinjuku City, Tokyo
THEATER MILANO-Za, a live entertainment theater in Shinjuku, offers a variety of content including drama, musicals, and 2 5 D shows, as well as concert and cinema events in a seated style. The 907-seats (basic layout) space is equipped with flexible stage facilities and changeable seating: the HARU chair on the first floor can be moved and the layout can be changed, allowing for expansion to a maximum of 1 , 084 seats. Seats are staggered and feature magnetic seat numbers. Side panels and custom upholstery are used for the side seats, and a barrier-free handrail is installed on the upper aisle side. The theater reopened on the 6th floor of the Tokyu Kabukicho Tower in April 2023, continuing the tradition of the former “Shinjuku Milano Theater”.
DATA
Client／TST ENTERTAINMENT CO.,LTD.
Opened／April, 2023
Seats／ 907 (Basic layout)
*Maximum capacity can be expanded up to 1,084 seats.
AT&T Performing Arts Center
Wyly Theater
Dallas, TX
DATA
Client／AT&T Performing Arts Center
Theater Consultant／Theatre Projects
Opened／ 2023
Seats／ 600
Atlanta, GA
DATA
Client／Horizon Theater Company
Theater Consultant／Charcoalblue
Opened／ 2023
Seats／ 260
Horizon Theater
Revitalization of the historic theater and seating renovation
In recent years, historic theaters have required the flexibility to improve revenue through workshops and corporate events in addition to their original purpose with artistic endeavors.
Renovations that balance historic preservation with unique designs and more effective use of the space are crucial for this purpose. The Kotobuki Seating Group offers optimal seating solutions that highlight the charm of a theater while also ensuring modern comfort and historical value.
Customization and Renovation
We have over a century of history in theater solutions. As specialists in customization and renovation, we offer parts replacement for seats with high-quality fabrics and finishes, and we work to integrate new components into existing parts.
Ensuring Comfort and Historical Designs
We renovate seating components while also replacing other parts for modern comfort. Embracing historical designs, we offer seat renovations with comfort and high durability.
Responding to the Latest Building Standards
We ensure accessibility even in older buildings when renovating seating and passageways to meet modern building standards. We offer comfortable and safe upgrades for audience members, including wheelchair-accessible seating and other accessibility measures.
Our experienced staff handles painting, woodworking, and fabric covering while the local artisans we partner with meticulously replicate the details. We also minimize the costs and time required with the latest technology.
Founded in 1914 , Kotobuki Seating has worked on the design and production of many theater seats for more than a century. Utilizing foundry technology we've refined over the years, we improve modern specifications and designs while maintaining the atmosphere of historic buildings and theaters. We offer renovations for comfortable and highly durable seating that is also easy to clean and maintain.
Cooperating with a foundry in the United States
Kotobuki Seating has long been involved in the production of cast metal seating. With ample experience in theater seating, we are proud of our capabilities, from the casting of metal to beautifully reproduce complex designs to the design and fitting of multiple parts together. Previously, Japanese engineers mainly handled design, and seating was produced in various parts of Asia, including Japan. We are now working with a foundry in the United States to create prototypes and advance mass production with respect to the meaning of laws on historic preservation, which promote the embracing of historical American designs.
1 Meeting with foundry 2 Existing piece with damaged front leg base (left), and a model created from the existing piece using a 3D printer (right) 3 Sand casting 4 A historical wooden mold from the foundry 5 A prototype modeled using a 3D printer, with coloring and bracket arm attached
Nagoya City Assembly Hall
Main Hall
We recreated the design of the seating in the main hall as it was when installed in 1930 as part of a renovation to retain the historical value of the building. The fabric color, edging, and notched designs were faithfully replicated on the seating, producing a classical atmosphere. The slender, curved, and stable legs were cast from aluminum rather than the cast iron they were originally cast from. While the design was replicated, the seats were resized to provide better comfort and functionality for a modern-day patron. The goal was to create a seat that would remain comfortable for an extended period of time, with the seat cushion using polyurethane foam and serpentine springs.
1 Before renewal 23 After renewal 4 Photo of the foundry 5 Decorated aluminum cast legs
Sustainable manufacturing
Kotobuki Seating contributes to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through its business activities in manufacturing and selling public facility furniture. In all aspects of our operations - design, development, procurement and production, logistics and construction, sales and maintenance - we are committed to environmental sustainability and social contribution. Environmental Initiatives
