Kaminokawa Town supports Japan’s national initiative to create “comfortable and walkable city centers (walkable city),” and has developed a pedestrian circulation route to serve as a core element of this vision. As both a destination and an extension of walking through town, the Kaminokawa Origami Plaza was established.
This multi-purpose complex integrates lifelong learning, childcare support, local government services, and community development functions. It consolidates the former Central Public Hall and the Childcare Support Center—both of which were deteriorating and lacked seismic safety—into a single, modern facility. By right-sizing the building to meet local needs and improving functionality, the town also succeeded in lowering both construction and operating costs.
Built around the concept of “a facility that supports learning, parenting, and mutual support, close to the people,” the structure features a flat, step-free layout and incorporates universal design principles to create a space where everyone feels welcome. This contributes to the facility’s vibrant and inclusive atmosphere.
The lifelong learning zone includes a music room, study rooms, a crafts room, and a multipurpose hall designed to host a wide variety of events, including concerts, seminars, lectures, and light sports.
To accommodate different uses, the hall is equipped with 120 manually operated retractable seats, selected for their ease of use and flexibility. This allows the number of seats to be adjusted quickly based on the scale and type of event.
The hall also features a DS-100 recessed movable stage, which can be folded and stored safely using a remote control. When stored, the stage surface transforms into a clean wall panel, maximizing floor space and maintaining a neat appearance.
The Retractable Seating System was introduced to provide residents with opportunities to casually enjoy and participate in a wide range of cultural and artistic experiences. It also fills a local need, as the town previously had no fixed-seating venue.
With this system in place, tiered seating can be quickly deployed or stowed, enabling the hall to accommodate a large audience or transform into a spacious, open area depending on the event. Combined with the movable stage, the flexible layout supports a variety of configurations.
The retractable seats can be used conjunction with the stage, while chairs can be arranged in the flat area in front for concerts and other performances. When the seating is retracted, the flat space can be used for community lectures, workshops, or seminars.
A movable partition allows the hall to be divided in two. With the stage and seats stored, both sections can be used independently for meetings or light physical activities.
The CS01 chairs used in the Retractable Seating System feature thick molded polyurethane cushions on both the seat and backrest, upholstered in black to match the hall’s interior design. The seats use highly durable, breathable 3D mesh, keeping guests comfortable during long events by preventing heat buildup and fatigue.
When not in use, the seat and backrest fold together neatly, minimizing their footprint and keeping aisles and walkways clear.
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