Rika Hall,
Torigin Bunka Kaikan

Dec. 21,2022

Theater / Hall

Project Description

Seating maintenance in Rika Hall

The Rika Hall at the Torigin Bunka Kaikan (Tottori Prefecture Cultural Hall) is an important place for citizens of the prefecture to experience a variety of arts; it acts as a center for spreading cultural information.

Due to the aging of the building 26 years since its opening, a large-scale renovation project was undertaken, mainly to make the ceiling earthquake-resistant. The maintenance of the seating in the 'Rika Hall' was also done as a part of this renovation project. After many years of use, the chairs in the seating area had started showing signs of wear and tear that would affect comfort and safety, such as stained upholstery, worn cushions, rattling of armrests, and tilted seating surfaces.

"Overhaul" making the most of the existing products

The maintenance method adopted at Rika Hall to continue using existing seats is "overhaul," in which the seats are disassembled into components and detailed maintenance is conducted. We worked on the following eight items in approximately four months: Repair and cleaning of seat upholstery, partial seat replacement with new legs, retightening of screw fasteners, replacement of rubber stoppers to stop seat rotation, changing fixed seats to mobile seats, installation of handrails, and renewal of balcony seating.

The nine rows of seats at the front of the stage, which are used frequently, were replaced entirely with new seats, as the seat upholstery was noticeably worn and the cushions were sagging. When replacing the seats with new ones, the legs supporting the seat also needed to be replaced. This is because the leg components have improved and changed in shape over time.

On the other hand, we could maintain a uniformity in the design by utilizing existing components and using the same upholstery as the existing seats for the decorative panels on the armrests and the sides of the legs. The pale pink seat upholstery was neatly and beautifully restored by cleaning all the seats.

In addition, barrier-free access is one of the key features of this renovation. Some of the fixed seats have been made detachable to provide more space for wheelseat users. Handrails are installed for the seats on the third floor to support safe movement as there is a large difference in the level. The new seats have also been upgraded with cover-type upholstery in which stains can be taken care of easily; all these measures are taken to keep up with the times.

Minimizing the number of components to be disposed of through this maintenance method not only reduces costs, but is also environmentally friendly. This is in line with the ideals of Tottori Prefecture, which promotes SDGs, and will contribute to the realization of a sustainable facility.

Seating at special place

Balcony seating is available on the second and third floors. This seating gives you a special view of the stage from above, overlooking the floor below. The design of the chairs in this area differs drastically from the other areas; a pair of seats upholstered entirely in a dark green moquette fabric is installed here. The armrest in the middle can be used as is, or can be flipped up to suit your liking.

The seat of the chair is tapered and thin toward the end as viewed from the side (seat: Spacia) to provide more leg room when seated, giving more freedom for leg movement. Balcony seats from where you can look down on the stage are made more comfortable.

Through a series of maintenance work, appropriate care was taken for seats in each area. The continuous curved appearance presented by the wooden backboard of the chairs and the look of the seating area created by the soft-colored fabric, together with the architectural interior, give Rika Hall a unique character that warmly welcomes visitors. With the increased comfort and functionality of the chairs, the hall will continue to be cherished by the residents of the prefecture as the years go by.

Facility Overview

Rika Hall is the main hall of Tottori Prefecture Citizens' Culture Hall, known affectionately as "Torigin Bunka Kaikan". It has a rich three-tier seating configuration with 1,294 fixed seats (10 wheelchair seats) on the first floor, 316 seats on the second floor, and another 380 seats on the third floor. Apart from many musical events including orchestras, a plethora of cultural and arts programs such as theater and traditional performing arts are hosted in this hall. In addition to Rika Hall, Torigin Bunka Kaikan has a well-equipped activities space including a small hall, free space, conference rooms, rehearsal rooms, exhibition rooms, and practice rooms, and is widely used as a place for people to interact since it is located in the area that is home to cultural and educational facilities, prefectural government offices, and other administrative agencies.

Project Summary

Location: Tottori City, Tottori Map

Client: Tottori prefecture

Renewal Open: Oct, 2020
Completed May, 1993 (Opened October, 1993)

Seats: 1,990
(except 10 wheelchair seats)

Special Website: Torigin Bunka Kaikan Website

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Rika Hall,Torigin Bunka Kaikan