Main Hall,
FENICE SACAY

Oct. 25,2022

Theater / Hall

Project Description

Fenice Sacay's Main Hall: Thorough attention to acoustics

Fenice Sacay opened in October 2019.
The Main Hall serves as a multi-purpose venue for hosting orchestras, operas, ballets, musicals, pop concerts, and other music-related performing arts, as well as lectures and gatherings. The hall itself is designed as if it were a musical instrument. From the walls to the ceiling, the design incorporates meticulous calculations to achieve the best acoustics. The vibrant scarlet and black tone of the hall interior creates a dignified atmosphere. The hall has a refined air with a fusion of classical and modern outlooks.

Seating arrangement aiming at ease of viewing

The Main Hall which seats 2,000, has a flat-floored structure with a three-tiered balcony seating area. The three-tiered balcony seating is U-shaped. Steps lead from the back row seats to the front of the balcony, reminding you of the atmosphere of European opera houses. We wanted to build a hall where the stage would be visible from every seat. For realizing this, we added various checks from the design stage and arranged seats appropriately in each area.
The seating is arranged in an arc shape gently surrounding the stage. When you are seated, the stage expands directly in front of you, so you can enjoy the performance without changing your natural posture. There is no need to tilt your body or crane your neck. Normally, it is difficult to see the stage from the left and right balcony seats, but we have solved this problem by placing these seats at an angle to each other so that the stage is clearly visible when you are seated.
The entire hall has a "mortar-shaped" seating layout. This means that as one moves toward the back of the hall, the difference in seat level increases. The third-tier balcony chairs have their backs set almost at a right angle to the floor to make it comfortable to look down on the stage. The angle of the chair back can be adjusted according to the location. This creates a seating area from where it is easier to appreciate the performance on the stage.

Seats designed for Feniche Sacay - Bringing out the best in a splendid hall

The seats adding to the decorum of the hall are custom-designed for Fenice Sacay by architect Takahiko Yanagisawa.
The oaken back and armrests of the chair bring out the warmth of wood. The upper part of the backboard is slightly curved in a soft arc. Moreover, the backboard has an oblique cut that diverts your attention away from the thickness of the board and gives a refined impression. This layout also makes the number plate easily visible.
The unique chair design has the armrests fused with the leg part of the chair to form a single unit. The hexagonal armrest allows you to rest your arm on it without touching the arm of the neighboring seat's occupant. A part between the armrest and the leg has a polygonal opening. It gives a light and casual impression to the otherwise stately chair.

We have used the universal design "Spacia" for the seats in this hall. The seat of this chair tapers toward the tip, providing wider legroom when seated. The legs can be pulled in deeper beneath the seat, making it easier to stand and sit up. After years of research, Kotobuki Seating built an original spring into the seat. Thanks to the spring mechanism you can comfortably sit on the chair even for longer durations.

The generous cushions are covered with a red moquette inspired by the building's color concept, the "red of the Shuinsen" (red seal ships). Just like the design of the chair, the fabric is an original made exclusively for Fenice Sacay. It was designed by FABRIKO, the textile designer for Kotobuki Seating. The fabric enhances the warmth of the wood and creates a glamorous atmosphere.

Orchestra chairs FC-701N are utilized for orchestra performances.
Developed especially for performers, this chair has a level seat and it offers stability to support your posture during performances.

The Main Hall of Fenice Sacay was reformed from the Sakai Civic Hall. Not only Sakai residents, but many other people attend performances at this facility to appreciate the unique experience that can only be had here.

Facility Overview

Fenice Sacay was built as a reconstruction project of the aging "Sakai Civic Hall", originally built in 1965. "Fenice" means phoenix in the Italian language. The facility gets its name from Sakai's long history of reviving like a phoenix even after being burned to ashes by war, and from its medieval reputation as a free city like Venice in Italy. The design of the building embodies the idea of a free and self-governing city in the medieval times. With a calm appearance typical of Sakai, where the culture of tea ceremony flourished, we have created a space of relaxation and tranquility in harmony with the greenery of the trees. The "red color of the red seal ships" and the "green color (grayish dark green) reminiscent of Sen no Rikyu's tea ceremony", used throughout the facility perk up the space.

In addition to two halls - one large and one small, the facility has a three-story galleria for encouraging creation of art and networking, multipurpose rooms, studios, and other facilities. Along with the neighboring Okinabashi Park, this facility is a place of recreation and relaxation for the citizens, adding color to their daily lives.