Suzukake Hall,
Tachikawa Wakabadai Elementary School

A community-oriented space: Suzukake Hall at Wakabadai Elementary School

Tachikawa Wakabadai Elementary School opened in April 2018 following the merger of Keyakidai Elementary School and Wakaba Elementary School. Initially, classes were held in the old Wakaba Elementary building, but in April 2021, a brand-new school facility was completed on the site of the former Keyakidai Elementary School, becoming the students’ new home.

The construction of the new campus placed a strong emphasis on fostering connections with the local community. Throughout the facility, various design features reflect this guiding principle.

One key initiative is the inclusion of a multi-purpose hall. Located just past the Community Entrance to the right of the main entrance, Suzukake Hall serves a variety of functions. With a glass curtain wall along the side facing Suzukake Street, the hall offers an open, transparent atmosphere that visually connects the school with its surrounding neighborhood.

Retractable Seating System with bench seats for greater usability

Designed to support diverse activities, Suzukake Hall is equipped with a large screen and a manually operated Retractable Seating System installed along its rear wall. When needed, the platform can be extended, and the seat backrests lifted tier by tier. Curtains are then attached to both sides, transforming the space into tiered seating suitable for an audience. The manual model was selected for safety—it allows operators to pause at any point during setup to ensure everything is functioning properly. Its simple operation also enables school staff to deploy and retract the seating system with ease.
The seating capacity of 138 is perfectly suited to accommodate a full grade level.

The Retractable Seating System features bench-type seats without armrests or individual dividers, making them suitable for users of all sizes—from young children to adults. The flat seat surface also allows for the placement of notebooks or personal belongings, accommodating flexible layouts and allowing for social distancing when necessary. Upholstered in warm shades of orange and red, the seats complement the hall’s wooden finishes and enhance the hall’s warm and inviting atmosphere.

With the addition of Suzukake Hall and its retractable seating, the school can now host concerts, performances, community screenings, and more in a comfortable setting. The space has also become an important venue for student presentations, enriching their learning experience and playing an essential role in everyday school life.

Facility Overview

Established in April 2018 through the consolidation of two former schools, Tachikawa Wakabadai Elementary School moved into its newly constructed building three years later. The facility offers a bright, cheerful environment filled with natural light. In line with its mission to maintain close ties with the local community, the school’s design includes several open and welcoming features: Suzukake Hall, which faces the commonly used Suzukake Street; multi-purpose rooms enclosed in glass; and open corridors along the street that allow passersby to observe the energy and activity of the students inside. These elements strengthen the school's role as part of the neighborhood's daily life.

Related Products

Back to list