Arts Campus Fort Wayne,
Arts United Center

Feb. 04,2026

Theater / Hall

Project Description

Preserving a Masterpiece with Next-Generation Seating

The Arts United Center in Fort Wayne, Indiana, is more than a cultural venue; it is a profound architectural statement. For over 50 years, this mid-century modern landmark—the only theater ever completed by legendary architect, Louis Kahn—has served as a beloved community hub, fostering artistic collaboration among residents of all backgrounds.

Following the extensive "A Soaring Vision" project, which focused on historic preservation while achieving full functionality and accessibility, the Arts United Center officially reopened to the public on October 25, 2025. This renovation aimed not only to update the space with state-of-the-art theatrical technology but also to ensure Kahn’s original vision was elevated to meet modern standards.

Shared Philosophy: Longevity and Community Service

The collaboration between Arts United and Kotobuki Seating International was rooted in a shared commitment to create enduring spaces where communities can gather, connect, and thrive for generations. Both organizations recognized the critical importance of the Arts United Center as a pioneering community theater for the public. This shared, long-term focus on quality and generational service guided the entire project, ensuring that all partners—from the architectural firm, theater consultant, to the general contractors—were aligned in making the venue truly special.

Seating for Ergonomic Performance and Universal Comfort

For this landmark project, Kotobuki provided 725 seats of the high-performance TSA-71 model, specifically chosen to align with the high standards of design dignity, ergonomic performance, and inclusivity deserving of this historic venue.

The design of the seating was tailored for comfort during extended viewing experiences. The seat features an ergonomic 3D shape, utilizing a three-dimensional curve along the spine and cushion to naturally fit the back, significantly reducing fatigue. Furthermore, the waveform spring—technology adapted from luxury automotive seating—helps maintain optimal posture by balancing the load and holding the pelvis in position, thus improving blood circulation. The seat mechanism utilizes a gentle tip-up mechanism with a proprietary resin silencer, preventing any vibration or noise when the seats rise, ensuring a completely distraction-free environment.

Design for Full Community Access and Aesthetics

Achieving universal design in all seating choices for all was a core mandate. The seating system integrates 10 pairs of ADA-compliant roll-away seats that easily create spaces for wheelchairs to stay and enjoy the performance. 8 ADA-compliant seats also feature transfer arms, where the outer armrest swings open to allow easy and secure transfer from a walker or wheelchair. Other accessibility considerations involved viewability. High contrast label plates and their placement provide immediate readability, while aisle lights on the end panels ensure safe navigation to your seat, regardless of lighting conditions.

Beyond performance, the seating’s finish was essential to achieve the project’s aesthetic goals. All 725 seats were upholstered in a custom gray colored fabric, carefully selected to harmonize with the architectural palette of the newly renovated space. This thoughtful attention to detail—from the curvature of the cushions, the accessibility options, to the fabric and finishes—was intended to remove barriers and allow every member of the community to be comfortable and fully immersed in the artistic experience.

The partnership between Arts United and Kotobuki Seating lovingly delivered a renovated space that not only honors its profound history but is also fully prepared to serve as a vital community platform for the next century, providing comfort and opportunity for generations to come.