Higashi-Hiroshima City repurposes historic school as revitalisation hub

Higashi-Hiroshima City’s former Takehito Elementary School is transforming into a new activity hub named Fukutomi Mirai Base. The project aims to revitalise the hilly and mountainous region of Fukutomi-cho by repurposing the 147-year-old school building, which closed in March 2021. The institute is currently conducting a survey to gauge interest from potential tenants and users ahead of the facility’s full operation.

The project is led by the Life Design & Engineering Institute, a resident-participation research and business planning platform, and operates under the Future Satoyama Project, which seeks to create new possibilities for living, working, and learning by utilising local resources. The project focuses on two main pillars: the Satoyama Challenge Platform, which uses the Fukutomi Mirai no Mori forest for field research and education, and the Fukutomi Mirai Base, which serves as a physical centre for business and social interaction.

Fukutomi Mirai Base is designed to integrate nature with technology. The three-storey building will feature co-working and workation spaces, a makerspace known as Minna no Kobo, and a lounge on the first floor. The second floor will house nine tenant offices and an auditorium, while the third floor will retain specialised rooms such as the science and music labs for community use. The project intends to generate new value and social flow in rural areas.

Raida Nishiyama, Director of the Life Design & Engineering Institute, stated that the project aims to create a unique place for learning and regional value that does not exist elsewhere. The institute intends to use diverse perspectives to refine the management and future use of the facility.