Main Hall,
Sukagawashi Bunka Center

Renovated and reopened Sukagawashi Bunka Center

The Sukagawashi Bunka Center reopened in September 2021 after its renovation. The city administration highlighted the importance of guests' safety and security during the renovation of the facility. The seating in the Main Hall was completely redesigned along with the interior, for a barrier-free access. The symbol of Sukagawa City, the peony flower is portrayed on the upholstery - the aim being to familiarize the citizens with and to create a bond between them and the Hall. In January 2022, a coming-of-age ceremony was held at the Hall in a cheerful ambience to celebrate the young people who are the future of Sukagawa City.

Kotobuki Seating's theater seats for safe and secure audience seating

The Sukagawa City administration wanted comfortable, safe and secure seating that is easy-to-use for everyone, in this hall. Keeping that in mind, Kotobuki Seating has utilized many of its technologies developed in the creation of theaters and halls to date.
The seats used here, are the TS-19 series, with ergonomically designed back and seat angles and cushions that conform to the sitting posture. Each seat's width has been increased from 48 cm before the renovation to a maximum of 6 cm depending on the seating position, resulting in a comfortable seating experience.
We introduced the "Spacia" seat with the seat tapering toward the tip where it touches the back of the knee of the seated person. This shape provides more leg room than a normal seat, making it easier to pull the legs out while seated and facilitating smooth standing and sitting. Also, by pulling your legs under the seat while seated, you can let other spectators pass through the aisle in front of your seat without having to stand up.
In addition, we fitted the backrests of all aisle-side seats with a handhold bar. Usually, stability bars are installed on upper floors to provide a hand-grip when climbing up or down the stairs. But Sukagawa City's administration strongly wished to safeguard audience while passing through the aisles. So they had stability bars installed on the aisle-side seats on the first floor, even though there are no stairs. A total of 228 stability bars have contributed greatly to the safety and security of the hall since the reopening. They not only prevent elderly people from falling, but have also become a habit for children and adults as well.
The easy-to-access seats near the auditorium doors are fitted with universal design seats on the aisle side. These seats have flip-up armrests so that wheelchair users can safely transfer to their seats.

Peony flower design gives a feel of renovation and Sukagawa City's uniqueness to the seating

We designed the upholstery of the seats with the city flower - Peony - to draw the citizens towards this hall.
The design was created by a textile designer from Fabriko Co., Ltd., which has upholstered seats for theaters and halls throughout Japan. We were requested to create a friendly and warm space, while also maintaining the bright and gorgeous image that would give an impression of renewal to the hall. So, large peonies with light pink threads were drawn on a soft material with a mellow pink color. The peony flowers emerge and melt away in contrasting shades of pink, creating an understated yet beautiful design unique to Sukagawa City.
This peony pattern is also used on indoor signs such as the seating plan in the lobby, restrooms, and dressing rooms, as well as external signs, giving a totally coordinated look to the facility.

Facility overview

Sukagawashi Bunka Center is a multi-purpose hall that opened in 1981. Because of its convenient location almost at the center of Fukushima Prefecture, it attracts many visitors not only from within the city but also from outside the prefecture, and a wide range of events such as concerts, Kabuki performances, and school events have been held here. Closed from 2019 due to earthquake-resistance renovation and renewal plans for specific ceiling earthquake-resistance, the facility was renovated and reopened in September 2021. In addition to renovating the Main and Small Halls, the windbreak room at the entrance was renovated, and the restrooms were made multifunctional. The interior design and signage were seamlessly planned, and the building was reborn with a universal design and barrier-free access.

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