Tempyo Hall,
Nara Prefectual Convention Center

"Tenpyo Hall" for multi-purpose use

The Nara Prefectural Convention Center, located between Nara Park and the Heijo Palace Remains, opened in April 2020. It is the largest conference hall in Nara Prefecture and is popular as a hub for cultural and tourism exchanges.
The convention center's second floor is home to "Tempyo Hall", a theater space with an area of approximately 600 ㎡.
From the outset, Tempyo Hall was designed for versatile purposes, such as exhibition events (utilizing the flat floor space), in addition to viewing plays and film screenings. The seating adopted for this versatility is a combination of retractable seating platform (rollback chair stand) and stacking chairs.
Retractable seating are electrically operated stepped pattern seats that can be expanded and retracted with a single remote control. By arranging stacking chairs in front of the retractable seating platform, a maximum of 484 people can be accommodated.
Generally, retractable seating platforms are accessed from the front of the seating area up an aisle. However, in response to request for access from the rear to maintain smooth passage, we installed a staircase at the rear of the retractable seating platform. This allows you to leave the seat without disturbing other audience members during the event.

Retractable seating platform with multiple modes

The retractable seating platform is a front-moving type that can be installed in different positions depending on the intended use of the hall. Four modes are available so that you can choose the installation location according to the scale of the event and the number of attendees.
Modes 1 and 2 are modes in which the retractable seating platform is deployed.
Mode 1 is a layout that can secure the maximum number of seats by setting the retractable seating platform at the back of the hall and combining stacking chairs.
Mode 2 is a layout in which the retractable seating platform is set up close to the stage. Even for events with less number of attendees, the retractable seating creates a layout where it is easy to see the stage from the rear.
Modes 3 and 4 are layouts in which the retractable seating platform is not deployed, but moved in its stored state.
In Mode 3, you can divide the space into two by placing the seating in the center of the hall. This is effective as a partition when different events are held in the same hall.
In Mode 4, you can move the main body of the retractable seating platform up to the front wall of the hall. You can then fully open the sliding wall at the rear of the hall to connect with the foyer beyond, creating an open, flat-deck space. This layout makes it possible to hold various events that require a large space.

The interior of the hall has a distinctive horizontal striped pattern, using plenty of wood from Nara Prefecture. The front screening panels of the retractable seating, which serve as walls when stored, are also decorated with a horizontal stripe pattern matching the interior design, creating a sense of oneness.

Original seat upholstery with the motif of Tempyo pattern

The seats mounted on the retractable seating platform are Type 5R with a simple design. They have a "fit-back function" where the upper back of the seat snuggles around your body when you sit. This supplies a compact yet comfortable seat and maintains a stable posture even when you're seated for long periods of time.
The seats have an 'automatic and gentle tip-up mechanism' that raises the seat up when you leave it. There is no noise or vibration on leaving the seat, maintaining the tranquility of the hall.
The chair upholstery is an original design by Fabriko Co., Ltd. custom-made for Tempyo Hall. The motif is based on the Tempyo pattern on the "Shitan Mokuga no Sou no Biwa No. 3," a musical instrument that is a national treasure and a representative treasure of the Shosoin. Based on a deep brown color reminiscent of rosewood, the Tempyo pattern of wood painting is expressed with brilliantly colored threads. It gives the hall a distinctly Nara-like impression. The lustrous threads and the subtle unevenness of the upholstery surface make the pattern stand out or appear lighter depending on the angle of viewing and the light falling on it. This gives the fabric a rich look that is unique to textiles.
The design epitomizes the concept of "a design evoking memories of the Tempyo culture and giving a feel of the ancient capital of Nara". It gives the impression of intelligence and sensibility, and is perfect for a center of liveliness and interaction.

Mobile stage - offering even more multipurpose use

A mobile FS-060 stage was used for the hall. Multiple stages of 1m x 2m are combined and used as one large stage.
It is a highly convenient stage that can be set in 5 different heights to create different spaces according to the event.

The Tempyo Hall of the Nara Prefectural Convention Center has attracted a lot of attention, having been addressed in various media even before it opened. Various events such as classical music concerts, workshops for parents and children, academic conferences are held here on a daily basis, making it a lively place.

Facility overview

The Nara Prefectural Convention Center opened on April 1, 2020 in the heart of the ancient capital of Nara - it is the largest convention facility in the prefecture. The building has two underground floors and two floors above ground. It showcases the uniqueness of Nara, which is surrounded by the most World Heritage sites in Japan. A lattice beam-roof vividly reminds you of temple architecture and the ceilings and walls use ample wood grown in Nara Prefecture. Centered around a convention facility including various large and small conference rooms that can also host international conferences, the facility is adjacent to world-class hotels and tourism promotion facilities. It is used for holding a variety of events centering on MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions).

Related Products