November Hall,
Kindai University Higashiosaka Campus

Large and small halls renewed in renovation commemorating the 100th anniversary

The multipurpose hall at Kindai University’s Higashiosaka Campus is known as November Hall, a name that reflects the university’s founding date of November 5, the month in which the university festival is held, and the original completion month of the building. After more than 30 years of use, the facility underwent a large-scale renovation—including seismic reinforcement—in preparation for the university’s 100th anniversary. The Large Hall reopened in April 2022 following a seating renewal and spatial expansion, while the Small Hall, with a total capacity of 280 seats, unveiled its renewed appearance in September 2025.

Re-adoption of the retractable seating system with the legacy of the middle-tier setting

The Small Hall previously featured a fully automatic retractable seating system by Kotobuki Seating. Its ease of operation—allowing tiered seating to be deployed and retracted with a single remote switch—together with its proven reliability over many years, led to the decision to adopt the latest version of the retractable seating system for the renovation.

The new system comprises 14 tiers and 244 seats. In addition to full deployment, the hall has retained the “middle-tier setting” from the previous system, which enables partial use of the seating. Depending on the event type or required capacity, only 10 tiers (180 seats) can be deployed. This 180-seat configuration creates a larger open floor area in front of the seating, significantly expanding the hall’s layout flexibility.

Completely updated operability and functionality

One of the most significant improvements over the system installed 30 years ago is the control interface. The remote switch has evolved from a simple three-button design to a modern unit equipped with an LCD display and voice navigation, greatly enhancing ease of operation. In addition, the side handrails have been upgraded from manually attached units to electrically folding types, allowing smooth and effortless deployment and retraction. When the seating is stored, a newly added front fascia panel blends seamlessly with the interior, maintaining a clean and refined appearance.

Another notable upgrade is the introduction of rotating writing tablets. Previously, detachable tables were used, which were heavy and labor-intensive to handle. The new tablets rotate out from beneath the armrests only when needed, reducing setup time and saving space. Custom-designed to be larger than standard sizes, these A4-compatible tablets are well suited for note-taking and the use of electronic devices. They are also equipped with an “anti-panic” mechanism that allows the tablet to automatically retract with a light upward motion in an emergency, ensuring that evacuation routes remain clear.

The seating itself uses the Type S chair, known for its simple design and high level of comfort. Molded polyurethane cushions in both the backrest and seat provide stable support during long lectures and events. The seat width has been increased from 480 mm to 500 mm, creating a more spacious seating experience. When unoccupied, the seats fold vertically against the backrests, securing wide and accessible aisles. The upholstery features two shades of blue inspired by the university’s school color, “Kindai Blue,” arranged in a random pattern. This change from the previous red upholstery gives the hall a fresh and distinctive visual identity. Behind the final row of the retractable seating, two additional rows of seats with the same specifications have been installed as fixed seating.

Facility overview

November Hall at Kindai University’s Higashiosaka Campus is a multipurpose complex with four above-ground floors and two basement levels. Completed in 1986, it contains the 1,244-seat Large Hall, the 280-seat Small Hall, conference rooms, and additional multipurpose spaces. In preparation for the university’s 100th anniversary in 2025, extensive renovations were carried out to renew the audience seating and modernize the building’s infrastructure. Today, the Small Hall continues to serve as a popular venue for seminars, academic presentations, and Open Campus events.

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