TORAFU ARCHITECTS

An interior design for the new office of Hakuhodo Consulting, a Hakuhodo Group consulting company specializing in corporate branding and BtoB marketing. Against the increase of remote working, and questions about the value of having an office, the client requires a place that has the original office function as a place for co-creation where employees gather, talk, and spend time together.

The ceiling and OA floor of the 60-year-old RC building were dismantled to expose the original frame. By keeping the building in an unfinished state, we created a blank space for constant updates that embodies the consulting firm’s creativity. The layout is simple, centered on a raised lounge space, and surrounded by private rooms. After passing through the pure white neutral entrance, the circular wall surfaced with corten steel, naturally invites visitors into the office space. The corten steel, brown smoked glass, and wood wool cement board that match the base frame are used for partial finishes. Indirect lighting creates a unified sense to the whole area, while lighting that envelops people in the office and unique lighting that creates height differences in each area contributes to making appropriate places according to the usage of each site. The central lounge has bookshelves and a book selection curated by employees. The perimeter zone on the window side has wooden windowsills and a corner with a high-back sofa for concentration. A large circular table surrounding the symbol tree can also be a table for social events. The indirect lighting, whose color temperature and intensity change slowly throughout the day, is in tune with people's physical sensations, reducing stress and matching the moods when people concentrate on work or gather together.

While there is an option of working at home, we reconsidered the office as another attractive option. We have proposed a place like a hotel lounge that balances interaction and relaxation while providing an extraordinary atmosphere.