NAHArt is expected to serve as a base for promoting the culture and arts of Naha City and Okinawa. It is also expected to be a theater that would serve as a base consistent with the direction of revitalization of the central city area and urban development of Naha City, to energize people and the city through culture and art, and help shape the attractive city of Naha. Given this context, the site was set in the central area of Naha City. One of the challenges was how we could realize a building that would work in conjunction with the city to facilitate people's free circulation in a place where residences and commercial facilities closely intermingle. We also considered various ways to harmonize the massive theater facility with its surroundings and make it a new landmark for gathering, interaction, and creativity. We drew on the light, wind, and history of Naha and Okinawa to shape this theater as an organic and diverse gathering place.
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The project site is a former elementary school site in the center of Naha City, a busy area sandwiched between Kokusai Street and the monorail and surrounded by low-rise residences, multi-tenant buildings, and restaurants flanking the narrow street. The perimeter of the building is kept low to match the scale of the surrounding cityscape, and is divided into four to five layers, each of which flutters gently and creates a soft expression. We aimed to create an appearance that would harmonize with the surrounding buildings while protecting the facility from extreme environmental conditions, such as intense sunlight and flying debris from typhoons, while at the same time making it a local landmark. We also designed this facility as a starting point that facilitates the flow of people around the area by making the interior activities visible from the outside and opening the studios to the street, aiming to create a lively atmosphere in the city.
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A plaza named Una (communal lobby) is located in the center of the building and is accessible to users from all directions. A small hall and studio are arranged to connect with the plaza, which can be used integrally for musical events and exhibitions, providing opportunities to encounter new events and art spontaneously. The plaza is a three-story atrium, surrounded by circulation routes, open glazed studios, and rehearsal rooms, providing a space where people can circulate and engage in various activities. Light pours in from the curtain wall around the perimeter, and multiple top lights create an open space like outside, a cozy place to linger with many tables and chairs for anyone to use.
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We actively employed traditional elements and regional construction techniques to ensure that a building optimally suited to Naha's environmental characteristics and its presence and spaces are unique to the Okinawa and Naha region. We placed a three-story atrium, serving as an interiorized plaza called Una and a passageway called Soozigwa. The exterior envelope uses a pattern of a traditional Shuri-ori (Hanakura-ori) textile reproduced using HPC. The spaces under the eaves, resulting from the gentle swaying of each layer, serve as "Amahaji," a place of exchange in traditional Okinawan folk houses, welcoming people into the facility. The design motif of the main hall is the Okinawan sea, and that of the small hall is Shurijo Castle. Elements unique to Naha were incorporated, such as traditional blocks on the studio walls and Okinawan-style plantings for the exterior, to create original, comfortable, and friendly spaces.
Many workshops and briefings were held for users and citizens during the preliminary planning, design, and construction phases to help them understand the plan and get involved in the project. Frequent opportunities for engagement helped citizens to develop a sense of attachment to the place and a greater sense of involvement in the facility after its opening. After the opening, Naha City initiated and continuously organized community events and maintain citizens' awareness of the importance of protecting, developing , and maintaining the building as their own. The facility has been operating based on the three basic policies of "creating and disseminating local culture," "experiencing outstanding culture and arts," and "developing and interacting." Events that are held here make maximum use of features such as grid pipes and event podiums, various large and small spaces, and other equipment.
Architectural Design: Kohyama Atelier & Kume Sekkei & Nerome Sekkei
※1 Photo: Shigeo Ogawa
※2 Photo: Makiko Nagamine
Coopeartion: Japan Foundation for Regional Art-Activities
