Za-Koenji Public Theatre
Toyo Ito & Associates
Suginami-ku, Tokyo,, Japan
Photo: Iwan Baan
Za-Koenji, located within a residential district, is a
public theatre replacing the old Koenji Hall.
Because of the surrounding context and the acoustic requirements
within the building, Toyo Ito designed a "closed" space, with both
its walls and roof being constructed of steel plate reinforced
concrete, providing sufficient stability, yet remaining extremely
thin.
Photo: Iwan Baan
Photo: Iwan Baan
The roof form was carved out of a cube by 5 elliptic cones and 2
cylinders, resulting in a dynamic shape that expresses movement and
lightness. The central axes, angles and coordinate positions of the
elliptic cones and cylinders, were defined according to the height
restrictions of the site and the height requirements of the
internal programs.
Photo: Iwan Baan
Photo: Iwan Baan
With the halls stacked on top of each other a floating structural
system was adopted with every floor slab, and walls and ceilings
insulated from the main structural frame.
Because of the strict height restrictions only the small main
theater Za-Koenji 1, the cafeteria, and the offices are located
above ground level. The rest of the programs are placed at basement
levels.
Photo: Iwan Baan
Photo: Iwan Baan
Photo: Iwan Baan
Za-Koenji 1, the Main Auditorium, is a flexible space, that allows
for a range of different stage and seating configurations. The
lobby is entered directly from the square in front of the
building.
Photo: Iwan Baan
Za-Koenji 2, Civic Hall, is located on basement level 2. It is a
conventional theater space with fixed raked seating, suitable for
drama performances, dance, concerts, conferences or lectures.
Photo: Iwan Baan
The Awa Odori Hall, also on basement level 2, was designed for
practices of one of the Japanese Bon Festival Dances performed
during the Awa Odori Festival. This hall made use of its maximum
volume in order to also meet the requirements for musical concerts
and performances.
Photo: Iwan Baan
The Cafe Henri Fabre can also be used as a venue for drama
readings, lectures and children's activities.
Photo: Iwan Baan
Photo: Iwan Baan
Large props and costume production studios, rehearsal rooms, film
and music editing rooms are on basement level 3.
Drawing courtesy Toyo Ito &
AssociatesSite Plan
Drawing courtesy Toyo Ito &
AssociatesFirst Floor
Plan
Drawing courtesy Toyo Ito &
AssociatesSecond Floor
Plan
Drawing courtesy Toyo Ito &
AssociatesBasement Level 2
Plan
Drawing courtesy Toyo Ito &
Associates Section
Facts about Za-Koenji Public Theatre
Site area:
1,649 m2
Building area: 1,108 m2
Total floor area: 4,978 m2
Architects: Toyo Ito & Associates
Design team:
Toyo Ito
Takeo Higashi
Takuji Aoshima
Hiroyuki Shinozaki(OB)
Takayasu Hirayama
Michiko Okano
Kentaro Maeda(OB)
Miya Ito
Rie Kigami
Leo Yokota(OB)
Ken-ichi Shinozaki(OB)
Structural engineer:
Sasaki Structural Consultants
Mechanical engineer:
Kankyo Engineering
Acoustical design:
Nagata Acoustics
Lighting design:
Lightdesign
Contractor:
Taisei Corporation
Client:
Suginami-ku
Za-Koenji Public Theatre
Photographed by Iwan Baan
Last updated: January 20, 2013
