Japan 2020Ichijo Hall 2020
This project is the new auditorium of Nara Municipal Ichijo High School, whose founding principles are based on the “frontier spirit” represented by the sailing ship “Ichijo Maru.”
Inspired by Ichijo Maru, the façade is composed of straight wooden louvers that follow a curved surface resembling the bow of a sailing ship. In the design, we aimed to create a sense of exhilaration like a boat setting sail on a voyage towards the sky.
Combining lightness and dynamism, the wooden sailing ship form becomes a gate that welcomes people into the building. This creates a fluid space connecting the inside and outside of the auditorium, allowing social interaction and activities to take place, and become a symbol of a school that is open to the community.
The bright foyer space wrapped in soft wood doubles as a practice space for extracurricular activities such as the dance club. The flooring used for the foyer and hall were donated by Uda City, Nara. The wooden louvers of the façade continue into the interior of the hall, expanding and branching into the proscenium, acoustic panels, and signage.
