OHArchitecture surrounds Japanese community centre with open counters

Long cedar counters wrap around Umedacho Community Centre, a public hall by Kyoto studio OHArchitecture in Japan where people can "gather naturally".

Surrounded by residential buildings and office blocks, the two-storey centre was designed by OHArchitecture for a local neighbourhood association in the densely populated commuter town Moriyama City.

With the area lacking play space for children and places for people to meet, the studio aimed to create a social hub that goes beyond solely providing room for meetings and events.

"We began with the image of a place where townspeople can gather naturally even when there is nothing going on, connect loosely around one large table, and spend their time in their own way," said OHArchitecture director Kosuke Okuda.

Umedacho Community Centre has a rectangular plan designed to be accessible and open. Long counters, accessible inside and out, run around its perimeter with adjoining custom-made stools in the yard.

On the inside, the counter spaces form desks with plug sockets and other facilities, enabling them to be used as co-working desks or for local children to do their homework. Cork pendant lights hang overhead.

"In addition, the windows above the counter can be left open, making it an open community centre with no front or back, allowing people to connect with the people of the town," added Okuda.

The remaining ground floor space offers a large open room with custom-made benches, where up to 50 people can gather at a time. It is used for a variety of purposes, including local meetings, lessons, a salon and a cafe.

Above, the second floor is divided into loft storage and a "secret base" for children to climb into and play in or read books.

Umedacho Community Centre's entrance takes the form of a torii shrine gate, intended to reflect the presence of an Otabisho – a place for spiritual beings to rest during festival processions.

To create a pillar-free central space, the hall's ceiling is supported with braces that radiate from the core and the supports on the perimeter. These are surrounded by layered shelves for books and other materials.

Inside Umedacho Community Centre, the cedar walls have been left exposed for a pared-back look. Touches of vivid colour have been added to create visual interest on the shelves, staircase and wooden stools.

"The community centre is a facility that has taken root in the town and continues to exist as a place that is connected to the lives of people of all ages and genders for decades and generations," added Okuda.

Based in Kyoto, OHArchitecture has completed a portfolio of residential and commercial projects across Japan including in Shiga, Osaka, Nara, Wakayama, and the entire Kansai region.

Other community centres recently featured on Dezeen include a park and playground in Norway with a pavilion made of recycled aluminium and Canada's first zero-carbon certified building.

The photography is by Yano Noriyuki.

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