Retractable Seating System / Kotobuki Seating Group
Retractable Seating System
Our global knowledge and experience support the learning and educational facilities of tomorrow.
KOTOBUKI SEATING GROUP has a proven track record of delivering products to educational facilities around the world, with a focus on North America, Japan, Europe, and ASEAN countries. Our products include lecture theaters that enable standard theater-style classes. Moreover, we have a variety of products to suit different learning styles, including retractable seating. While respecting each country’s unique culture and educational style, we propose new solutions that respond to diverse learning styles and values.
Our retractable seating system is available in fully automatic, semi-automatic, and manually operated types, and we propose the most suitable type according to the scale and purpose of each facility. Here, we are going to introduce the benefits of retractable seating, along with case studies.
Black Box Auditorium
Anglo-American School of Sofia/Bulgaria
Location: Sofia, Bulgaria
Opened: 2019
Seating Capacity: 192
Anglo American School ( AAS ) is a private school established in Sofia, Bulgaria in 1967 under the auspices of the American and British embassies. This international school has a remarkable performing arts and visual arts center. The center has won numerous design awards, including the Bulgarian design award “Building of the Year”, and has also been awarded gold-level LEED certification. In this lecture hall, the silver upholstery and vibrant-colored wooden parts blend perfectly with the red carpet and curtains, creating a space that continues inspiring students for years to come.
Photos: Minko Menev
Multi-purpose Hall
Arizona State University/USA
Location: Phoenix, Arizona, USA
Seating Capacity: 253
Ennead Architects successfully created a flexible auditorium by creating this adaptable tiered structure for Arizona State University. The seats can be folded flat and automatically stowed away. After storage, the space changes into a relaxing space with cushions laid out. This multipurpose space, the Armstrong Great Hall, can be used as a lobby, lecture theater, and community space. Although the space is separated from the outside by large folding doors, it provides a space that is open to the local community and embodies the building's theme, “the interaction between law and society”.
Photos courtesy of Lynn French, Arizona State University
Performing Arts Centre, Plymstock College/UK
Oakwood Friends School, Theatre/USA
Performing Arts Centre, Daramalan College/Australia
Lecture Hall
Bartlam Library, Selwyn College, Cambridge/UK
Location: Cambridge, UK
Opened: 2020
Seating Capacity: 139
Versatile auditorium suitable for the 21st century. By combining the removable wall and retractable seating, a variety of layouts has become possible. This space is used not only for college lectures, but also for public events. The combination of retractable seating and stackable chairs enables the space to be used for a variety of purposes, such as lectures, receptions, and large-scale networking events. The seats are spacious and comfortable theater chairs that can be easily deployed and stowed away. The automatic operation allows for quick layout changes.
Photos: David Valinsky
The Cube, University of Southampton Students’ Union/UK
Winchester College/UK
Photos courtesy of BHM Architects
Sophisticated design and functionality
A theater seat designed by Quinette Gallay in France. The curve of the slender backrest gently supports the seated posture. When the seats are tipped up, they form a compact straight line, providing ample aisle space.
This seat was designed for telescopic seating systems, offering flexible layouts and a comfortable seating experience. With an individual leg for each seat, a flexible layout using a curved arrangement has become possible.
Each chair has a foot pedal folding mechanism, making it easy to fold the chairs down.
UNITED Platform Chair
Unique Flexibility for Endless Options
The UNITED Platform Chairs are classic, versatile, and suitable for both fixed and telescopic installations. Protective outer panels ( in wood or plastic ) are available for the back and seat, providing excellent wear resistance.
Backrest…
1.75” polyurethane fabricated CMHR / CME foam on .5” thick preformed plywood, upholstered. Optional protection panel to the outer back in injection-molded black polypropylene or veneered timber
2” polyurethane CMHR / CME foam on plywood core OR sprung core, upholstered. Optional protection panel for the underside in injection molded gray polypropylene or veneered timber
Armrest: One piece black ABS injection molding Die-cast one-piece aluminum arm stanchion
Widths…
Dimensions in brackets apply when seats are in use
Vision
Spacious and comfortable, yet compactly stowed away
The large seat offers a comfortable seating experience. When not in use, the seat can be folded down to a depth of 10.25 inches ( 260.35mm ) . It offers both comfortable seating and easy passage.
Backrest Molded plywood
Seat Molded plywood
Leg Steel, paint finish
*The depth and height of the tiers vary depending on the fascia settings.
Dimensions in brackets apply when seats are in use
LIMS
Maintenance-friendly stylish seats
New-generation seats full of potential. The graceful and sophisticated square silhouette offers a comfortable seating experience.
Smooth manual tip-up seats that can be folded compactly. The upholstery is highly breathable, and the voluminous cushion offers a comfortable seating experience even during long hours of spectating.
Upholstery Standard fabric
Backrest Plywood, upholstered polyurethane foam
Seat Plywood, upholstered polyurethane foam
Arm Armrest: Synthetic resin molding Armrest post: Aluminum die-cast, paint finish Leg Steel, paint finish
Widths
OPTION
A variety of options are available for the seat, including a front table, armrest writing tablet, and cup holder.
Front table DERUTE R
Front table on which you can place your laptop with peace of mind
Despite having a storage box, a compact design has been achieved. DERUTE R is perfect for facilities that are used for a variety of purposes, such as special classes, lectures, and seminars.
Rotating writing tablet T1
For seminars and other events where writing is required
For note-taking, the writing tablet attached to the chair arm post can be rotated into position. Even with a writing tablet attached, this chair model can be accommodated within a standard row depth.
Cup holder
A cup holder installed at each seat
For use as arena seating, the cup holder option is recommended. Each seat can be equipped with a cup holder.
NITech Hall, Nayoga Institute of Technology / Aichi, Japan
14101 Main lecture room, Bunkyo University Koshigaya Campus Building 14 LECRO / Saitama, Japan
HELSPO HUB-3 Arena, Toyo University AKABANEDAI CAMPUS / Tokyo, Japan
