TAIIKUKAN,
AKISHIMAENSIS

A new community hub brings multi-purpose use of a gymnasium

In March 2020, the former Tsutsujigaoka Minami Elementary School in Akishima City, which closed in 2016, was reborn as "Akishimaensis," an integrated education and welfare center. The renovated sections of the original school buildings house facilities such as an education center, a children's development support department, a childcare plaza, a gender equality center, and a local history exhibition room. A new international exchange and culture building, with a striking glass exterior built on what was once the schoolyard, now contains a library, a library cafe, and a local history room.
The gymnasium, connected to the new building by a covered walkway, needed to function as both a hub for resident health and sports activities and a venue for cultural events. To create a more hall-like atmosphere, new white walls were installed on both sides of the floor, concealing the original gymnasium walls. To allow for easy switching between a large, flat space for exercise and a tiered seating area for performances, a retractable seating system from Kotobuki Seating was introduced.

Deployment, retraction, and movement to any position with a single remote switch

The retractable seating system, which can deploy and retract tiered seating, contributes to the space's multi-purpose use. To retract the system, you press a button on the remote control, and the chairs fold down, the tiers stack, and the unit stores away in a dedicated space at the back of the gymnasium. When you press the deployment button, the stacked tiers slide out to form a tiered platform, and the chairs rise to complete the seating setup.
The 204-seat retractable seating system at Akishimaensis is a laser-guided traveling model where the main unit can move forward, away from the storage area. Users can select from three preset positions: Mode 1, where the rearmost row stays attached to the storage unit; Mode 2, where the unit moves away from the storage unit to place the seating in the center of the gymnasium; and Mode 3, which brings the front row as close to the stage as possible.
In Mode 1, it's possible to create more seats by placing stacking chairs in front of the retractable seating system or by creating box seats. It also allows for diverse stage setups, such as extending the stage area in front of the platform. Modes 2 and 3 are better suited for smaller events. The space behind the retractable seating system can also be used for different events, such as an exhibition area. Choosing the best mode expands the range of possible uses for the space.

Seating that balances simple design with key features

The installed chairs are Type S, which have a simple design but provide a comfortable seating experience with polyurethane cushions. In addition to comfort, the seats fold vertically against the backrest when unoccupied, ensuring a wide and easy-to-pass-through passage.
The upholstery color is a wine-red that stands out against the white-themed ceiling and walls. The breathable mesh material offers comfort by preventing stuffiness during long periods of sitting, and durability that resists snagging.
The carpet on the retractable seating system's platform and the front panel that aligns with the wall when stored are also white. This gives the space a bright, fresh feel with a minimal sense of crowding, even with 200 seats deployed.

Facility overview

With the concept of "connecting, expanding, discovering, and nurturing," Akishimaensis is a hub of knowledge that consolidates various facilities, including a municipal library, local history room, and education and child welfare services. It serves as a place for resident exchange and problem-solving. It is located on the former site of Akishima Municipal Tsutsujigaoka Minami Elementary School and consists of three buildings: the original school building, the new international exchange and culture building, and the gymnasium. In the entrance hall of the new building, a life-size replica of the Akishima Whale fossil is suspended. The ceiling framework, which makes you feel as if you are inside the whale's womb, is also a striking design. The nickname, chosen through a public contest, comes from the whale's scientific name, Eschrichtius akishimaensis.

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