ABOUT THE PROJECT
“the RECORDS,” located in Chiba, Japan, is a multi-purpose commercial facility facing Chiba Park, which is famous for being covered in Oga lotus flowers in summer. Originally an old business hotel, the building was converted by Takusho Kaihatsu, a Chiba City real estate developer, into an open space designed to support the spirit of community, creation, expression, and performance. The first floor has a bakery, a coffee stand, a delicatessen where you can get a meal, and a bar that serves alcohol and soft drinks. The second floor is a more relaxed space reserved for the company’s property owners, with a balcony overlooking the park and a sofa area.
“Our company has expanded its business while remaining rooted in Chiba City, and our philosophy is to make the city more vital.” says Mr. Daisuke Ogawa, of the Digital Marketing & PR Section of the RECORDS Brand Strategy Department. “We believe that it is important to help people who live in the area to interact with the local community and foster memories, rather than simply selling houses. We wanted to make the RECORDS not just a place to eat and drink, but a facility that would be part of Chiba Park, where people of all ages and both sexes could gather and build community ties. Ultimately, we aim to make it a focal point for the town.”
The name “the RECORDS” has three main origins: a place that records the memories of the city; a space that updates the best “records” every day; and “records” as a symbol of something old but still valuable. For this reason, throughout the building we can see the remains of the old hotel, and the traces of the work of the craftsmen who were renovating it at the time. “The pots that support the symbolic tree at the entrance were originally water tanks that were installed on the roof of the hotel. The floors and walls still have the marks and notes left by the craftsmen. Even in the inorganic texture of the exposed concrete, I think we have been able to embody the feelings we put into the name by leaving traces of memories and human handiwork here and there,” says Mr. Hidetoshi Ohashi, the head of the architecture department who led this project.
THE BOSE PROFESSIONAL SOLUTION
The aim of Takusho Kaihatsu in this project was to create a place where people from diverse backgrounds could enjoy their own styles of use in a comfortable and free-spirited way. For this reason, the audio equipment also needed to be highly flexible. “I’ve always had a fascination with the Bose Professional brand. When we were thinking about opening our own venue, we wanted to install equipment that would provide clear sound, so we decided to investigate Bose Professional.” says Mr. Ohashi.
In response to this request, a Bose Professional sound system was installed by ON/A System Co., Ltd., a Chiba-based company that designs and installs audio and visual equipment. DesignMax DM5SE and DM5C series loudspeakers were chosen for their clear, powerful sound in the indoor spaces on the first and second floors, while the outdoor-rated FreeSpace 360P Series II, which can be embedded in plantings, was installed under the eaves and second floor balcony. The portable F1 system, which can provide powerful sound with a simple setup, was also installed as a temporary speaker for events, while multiple external input terminals were permanently placed at the DJ booth to increase the flexibility of the overall setup.
At the heart of the system is the ControlSpace EX-1280 commercial sound processor, allowing for flexible operation throughout the large installation with user-friendly network-based control. Using ControlSpace, the operators can easily manage the system, controlling the volume and sound sources for each area wirelessly with ControlSpace Remote on an iPad. “We wanted the audio system to be as flexible as possible, so that it could respond to requests for various types of zoning and events.
In addition to the sharp, tight sound quality and the discreet, flat design, the fact that anyone can easily control it is the most satisfying point,” says Mr. Ohashi, pleased with the result.
“We wanted the audio system to be as flexible as possible, so that it could respond to requests for various types of zoning and events. In addition to the sharp, tight sound quality and the discreet, flat design, the fact that anyone can easily control it is the most satisfying point.”
— Hidetoshi Ohashi
Head of the Architecture Department
Takusho-Kaihatsu Co., Ltd.
Partner: ONKYO TOKKI LTD
Onkyo Tokki offers the best solutions for your needs and installation environment, using high-quality professional audio equipment from manufacturers in Japan and overseas. From advice on product and system selection to speedy delivery, processor adjustment, network construction, and after-sales service, we provide support for customers who are active in the “sound field.”
Partner: ON/A SYSTEM CO., LTD
ON/A System makes full use of our solid track record and know-how to provide accurate space analysis and optimal sound equipment selection and planning that meet all kinds of needs. Our experienced technical team makes full use of our strong partnerships with manufacturers to provide total, speedy, and meticulous services, from system design to construction and maintenance.
Need assistance or want to learn more about our portfolio of products?
