Ishii Fuji Hall,
Ishii-cho Central Community Center

Mar. 18,2025
Multipurpose Hall

Project Description

A public facility where you can feel the warmth of wood and the town's traditions

The Ishii-cho Central Community Center, a public facility with a hall, a library, and meeting rooms, underwent a major renovation as a preventative measure against age-related deterioration. The project involved replacing the ceilings, walls, and floors, as well as updating the hall seating. The goal was to create an interior space that evokes a sense of healing and safety. A key feature of the new design is the extensive use of wood, which brings with it the unique warmth, luster, texture, and aroma of timber.
The community center's entrance features a design symbolizing indigo, the traditional culture of Ishii-cho, and other creative touches that allow visitors to feel the local culture, traditions, and history.

A retractable seating system in the hall with an indigo color inspired by the town's culture

The Ishii-cho Central Community Center had a hall that could host concerts, but during the renovation, 270 of the 600 seats were changed to a retractable seating system. Before the renovation, the chairs in the system were slightly narrow with a seating width of 470mm per person, while the new chairs are a more spacious 500mm. The tiered seats of the retractable system can be deployed and retracted with a fully automated, electric system. By simply connecting a remote control to the main unit, the setup can be completed quickly and easily for different purposes.
When deployed, the system can be used for seating at ceremonies and children's recitals. When retracted, the flat floor can be used for light exercise and various other events. In the event of a disaster, the flat floor can also serve as an evacuation site, allowing for efficient use of the space. The fabric of the retractable seating system's chairs was changed from gray to a color similar to "Japan Blue," which is a motif of Ishii-cho's traditional indigo culture. The flooring for both the movable seating area and the hall floor were carefully selected, using deep indigo tile carpets to match. The hall has been reborn with a sense of texture that serves as a symbol of the town.

Seating with a focus on both design and comfort

The hall's seating, which includes the retractable seating system, fixed seats, and stacking chairs, all prioritize both design and comfort.
For the retractable seating system, the simple, breathable, and highly durable Type S chair was chosen. Its upholstery, made with highly durable 3D mesh, prevents stuffiness even when seated for long periods, providing a comfortable experience.
On the second floor, 192 fixed seats (TS-6228) were installed. The seat cushions were refilled with polyurethane, and the back and seat upholstery, as well as the seat number plates, were replaced. By reusing the leg posts, connecting pipes, and armrests, the renovation was completed at a reduced cost.
Additionally, 138 "Axis" FC-310 series stacking chairs were introduced, which can be used in combination with the retractable and fixed seats. The movable chairs used before the renovation were heavy and difficult to move, so they were often left out. However, the new chairs are lightweight at approximately 5.5 kg each, making them easy to carry. The seat cushion features a two-layer structure that combines polyurethane foam and a resin fiber core, providing a moderate rebound and volume without a bottoming out feeling. Magnetic seat number plates were also adopted, allowing for easy seat number changes without tools, even after the layout is set.
All of the retractable, fixed, and stacking chairs are unified in an indigo color. By prioritizing not only convenience and comfort but also design, the community center has achieved its goal of creating a "healing" space.

Facility overview

The Ishii-cho Central Community Center, located in Ishii-cho, Myozai-gun, Tokushima Prefecture, is a public facility that has been used by many residents since its opening in 1986. Although the building is over 30 years old and still meets seismic standards, a major renovation was undertaken to extend its lifespan.
The renovated community center was designed with the concept of healing and safety in mind, so that it would be a place of relaxation long cherished by the residents. The use of original and beautiful indigo, a motif of Ishii-cho's traditional culture, in key parts of the building allows visitors to experience both healing and history.
 

Project Summary

Location
Ishii-cho, Tokushima Map
Client
Ishii-cho
Design
AWAX CORPORATION
Renewed
Jan, 2025
Seats
600