Sub arena,
Nakamura Gakuen Girls’ Junior & Senior High School

Jan. 14,2022

School and UniversityArena / Gymnasium

Project Description

Long-awaited Sub arena is now functional

Nakamura Gakuen Girls' Junior & Senior High School is one of Fukuoka Prefecture's most successful sports schools, with multiple clubs competing in the Inter-High School Championships. The Sub arena was completed in July 2021, ahead of the Main arena, which is undergoing renovations.

With a larger floor area than the old Gymnasium 2, the Sub arena can handle a wide range of sports. Because the high ceiling allows students to move about freely during ball games and other sports, it is actively used for physical education classes and club activities.

Introducing Divider to swiftly partition space

The 'Divider', is a large motorized partition newly installed in this Sub arena.

When multiple events were simultaneously held in the old Gymnasium 2, the center was divided by a ball net, but this caused a number of issues. For example, small ping-pong balls and rhythmic gymnastics apparatus could pass through or get caught in the mesh of the net, and practices were interrupted when they jumped over the net's suspension wires. There was also the danger of students slipping on the floor netting.

The Divider from Kotobuki Seating solved these issues.

The Divider is a large 'curtain' suspended from the ceiling that can quickly divide a space. Normally stored in the ceiling, the 'curtain' is deployed when different events are being held simultaneously or when a smaller space needs to be created.

When a remote control button is pressed, the 'curtain' which has been stored in a bellows shape, descends from the ceiling. It takes about three minutes for the curtain to fully come down. Even students can operate it easily and safely as it is a simple operation requiring only a remote control and no heavy lifting. The ceiling-to-floor space is firmly partitioned by a single surface which stops at the floor level without any slack, allowing students to work safely without fear of balls or equipment passing through.

Solid material that blocks line of sight and improves concentration

The advantage of installing the Divider does not end at only partitioning the ceiling-to-floor space, it has other uses too!

The curtain's lower portion is made of a solid, opaque material. This material blocks the players' line of sight, allowing them to focus on their own activities without getting distracted by the activity taking place next to them. A setting that allows for focus is critical in sports, since daily practice leads to success in competitions.

In addition, the upper part of the curtain is made of a transparent mesh material to maintain the brightness of the lighting and a sense of openness in the space throughout. For this project, a gray color was chosen for the Divider in order to blend in with the surroundings.

The Sub arena has been completed recently. The Divider allows for effective use of space, and students and instructors have already expressed their appreciation for the safe and focused competition environment.

Facility Overview

The Nakamura Gakuen Girls' Junior & Senior High School places a strong emphasis on developing each student's academic ability so they can achieve their goals, and educates them to become women who can contribute to society and the world. A new school building was completed in 2010 to commemorate the school's 50th anniversary. The school is well suited to educate the future generation of women through everything from studies to club activities and events, with the main arena set to be completed in 2023.