Assembly hall,
Mine City Hall

A new city hall symbolizing the future of Mine City

Mine City, located in Yamaguchi Prefecture, was established in 2008 through the merger of the former Mine City, Mitō Town, and Shūhō Town. Since then, a redevelopment plan has been underway to replace the deteriorated city hall, and in November 2023, operations began in the new main city hall.

The three-story facility enhances both public services and operational efficiency while incorporating security measures, digital infrastructure, accessible design, and universal design. Designed to be a symbol of the city and a facility beloved by its residents, the building features local materials unique to Mine City.

A key feature is the use of Bishū-zai—a locally sourced timber from the Mine region. This wood is used in the ceiling of the main lobby, the outdoor louvers, and throughout furniture pieces such as benches, counters, and interior fittings. Even the furniture in the city council chamber on the third floor utilizes Bishū-zai hinoki cypress, adding natural warmth to the space.

A barrier-free, flat-floor council chamber for multipurpose use

The council chamber was built on the principle of “connecting the city council and its residents,” aiming to create an open and inclusive environment.

To support versatile usage, the floor was designed to be completely flat, without level differences. All chamber furniture, including the chairperson’s seat and public gallery, is movable, allowing the space to be reconfigured for a range of ceremonies and events in addition to city council sessions.

The desks for council members and executive members’ seats are foldable, with a locking mechanism beneath the tabletop. When folded, the depth is less than half of its usage size, allowing for compact storage in limited spaces. Casters on the legs make them easy to move by a single person, and locking wheels in the front provide stability during use.

Chairs used in the chamber are from the AC-3700 Series, known for their comfort and functionality. Upholstered with black vinyl leather over polyurethane foam cushions, they feature solid wood armrests made from Bishū-zai, lending a warm appearance. All seats—including those for council members, the chairperson, and executive members—are equipped with casters for effortless mobility.

Even the speaker's desk at the podium, used for general questions by council members, is movable. Bishū-zai wood is used throughout the council furniture, blending harmoniously with the chamber’s overall design.

Retractable Seating System for the public gallery and press use

A major highlight of the new chamber is the use of a Retractable Seating System for the public gallery, including seats for the press. This tiered seating can be deployed and retracted, offering flexibility in various room configurations.

After considering cost and other factors, a manual type was selected. The system offers three modes: full storage mode with all seating retracted and stored within the wall; middle tier specification (partial deployment mode), typically used during regular council sessions; and full deployment mode, where all seats are extended, transforming the chamber into a small hall with approximately 130 seats.

During city council meetings, the middle-tier setting is used to provide space for public gallery and press seating. When all seats are fully retracted and the council furniture is removed, the flat floor becomes an open multipurpose space.

The council chamber is not only used for legislative sessions. It regularly hosts commendation ceremonies, memorial services, youth assemblies, junior high school coming-of-age events, and more. For concerts, the council furniture is replaced with stacking chairs, and the retractable seating system is set to full deployment mode, transforming the space into a performance venue. 

Resident requests to use the new chamber for various events have been increasing, and the facility is expected to serve as an open, multi-functional civic space.

*Bishū-zai
Bishū-zai is a collective name for timber such as cedar and hinoki cypress grown in the Mine, Mitō, and Shūhō areas of Yamaguchi Prefecture.

Facility overview

Mine City’s old city hall, built over 60 years ago, was replaced due to issues with deterioration and seismic resistance. In November 2023, the new main building began operations. The three-story city hall was designed with Mine's “geo-colors” of red, white, and black, and makes extensive use of local Bishū-zai timber.
To enhance convenience, public-facing departments are located on the lower floors, and the building is connected to a renovated annex via a pedestrian corridor, with elevator access ensuring barrier-free movement between buildings.
The facility also functions as a disaster prevention center, with reinforced resilience against earthquakes and floods. From the building, visitors can enjoy a scenic view of the cherry blossom-lined banks of the Asa River, which runs nearby.

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