KASHIMA CIVIC CULTURE HALL
| Architect | Furuya Nobuaki+NASCA |
|---|---|
| Usage | Hall |
| Structure | RC+PC+S |
| Size | 4F |
| Site area | 6,040.35㎡ |
| Area | 2,646.80㎡ |
| Completion | 2023.05 |
| Award | First Prize, Open Design Competition 2018 |
This project involves designing a new civic cultural hall with a seating capacity of 751 seats. The project requires integrating the old civic center, previously located on the site, with an existing folk history museum in the city into a new building. Due to restrictions on total floor area imposed by subsidy requirements, it became a challenge to secure sufficient space for necessary facilities, such as rooms that meet the hall specifications and dedicated exhibition spaces for folk materials.Our proposal addresses this by utilizing spaces as multi-functional space through effective time-sharing, allowing the same areas—like the community lounge—to accommodate both daily use and event-specific needs. Additionally, we aim to use the foyer and hallway spaces as exhibition areas, which reduces the need for dedicated exhibition rooms while providing an "encounter space" where visitors can casually engage with the cultural history of Kashima. The design aspires to create a complex, seamless space where the facility can function as both a theater and a museum.The site is located along the Nakagawa River—a symbol of the rich waters of the Tara Mountain range. — It holds great potential to establish a new identity for Kashima. With spatial continuity to Hizen-Kashima Station on the other side of the river, this area, which seeks urban revitalization, could become a lively hub for everyday interactions among citizens. The project aims to spark the creation of a more vibrant and appealing city through cultural activities.We designed the facility with complementary functions alongside neighboring public institutions like the lifelong learning center, which has a 298-seat hall, and the city hall. By coordinating functions, especially with the learning center, we aim to reduce costs, foster more meaningful connections among citizens, and encourage synergistic community activities across the site. Anticipating access from multiple directions, the plan features an oval layout with a seamless frontage, allowing easy access from all sides.The old civic center was frequently used for citizen performances. In line with increasing future hall usage, we envision this hall as a space focused on music and dance recitals and competitions, particularly for children, teens, and young adults. Unlike other professional concerts or theater performances, audience members here often take turns performing, returning to the seats afterward. With this in mind, we designed a looped layout that connects the foyer to dressing rooms and from the stage to balcony seats, creating a space that’s enjoyable and efficient for all users. The loop extends beyond the hall to include distributed exhibition spaces for folk materials along the circulation paths.The hall, primarily a shoebox design optimal for music, is flexible with a detachable proscenium arch, allowing it to serve both as a proscenium theater and an open music hall. A shared interaction lounge can function as additional stage or audience space, expanding the performance area when need. It’s also equipped to serve as a smaller secondary hall when the main hall isn’t in use, complete with essential lighting and sound equipment.This facility aspires to be Kashima’s “stage of celebration,” embracing the historic appearance of Kashima while standing as a modern cultural hub that embodies the spirit of brewing cultural life among its citizens.
Photos: Asakawa Satoshi