Drawings of the Post-war Reconstruction Plans for the Mita Public Hall

2023/12/07

Among the masterpieces of Keio University architecture that no longer exist is the Mita Public Hall, designed by Sone Chujo Architects and completed in 1915. It appeared in history as one of Tokyo's leading halls, serving as the venue for various ceremonies including entrance and graduation ceremonies for not only the university but all schools within Keio, as well as lectures by famous figures and concerts. It could accommodate over 2,000 people seated. When the damage from the Great Kanto Earthquake was repaired, a triple arch was installed at the front. At this time, the "unicorn gargoyle" appeared on the balcony, and the building was loved by Keio students even more than the library. However, the interior was destroyed by fire during an air raid in May 1945, leaving behind tragic ruins.

The fact that three types of reconstruction plans for the Public Hall remain was previously introduced in this magazine (July 2021 issue) (the drawings are currently on display at the Keio History Museum special exhibition "Sone Chujo Architects and Keio University II" until December 16). The 1947 plan was a literal restoration. If realized, it would likely have been finished with a simple emerald green roof. However, at a time when Keio University had to prioritize securing classrooms and laboratories, the construction was not realized. Even the post-war restoration work on the library was not completed until 1949.

The next plan dates to 1950. The drawings designed by Seiji Saito, who came from Sone Chujo Architects, showed a magnificent appearance with a spire, utilizing the original entrance area for the exterior and incorporating the old structure into the interior. The unicorn gargoyle were planned to be moved to both corners of the rooftop behind.

The third plan is from 1953. Only the triple arch and the entrance were to be kept as a monument, with the main body being almost entirely new construction. Looking at articles from the fundraising campaign held at the time under the name "Great Hall Construction Fund," there were many voices saying that the original Public Hall was old-fashioned and cramped, and that it should be turned into a medium-sized hall or museum while building a separate Great Hall. Ultimately, the ruins of the Public Hall were demolished in 1957, and the Hiyoshi Commemorative Hall was completed the following year. Furthermore, the following year, the first phase of construction for the West School Building, centered on Room 518 (now the West School Building Hall, capacity 800), was completed on the site of the Public Hall. Since the university-wide events once held at the Public Hall are now held at the Hiyoshi Commemorative Hall or the West School Building Hall depending on the scale, it resulted in a form where the building was abandoned in favor of functionality.

If the first restoration plan had been realized—while knowing it was a painful choice, it is still deeply regretted.

(Takeyuki Tokura, Associate Professor, Keio University Fukuzawa Memorial Center for Modern Japanese Studies)