Designer Insights: The Future of Offices
Vol.10 ITOKI’s Bold Experiment: Reimagining Offices and Factories as a Design House
A calming space that makes use of Shiga’s characteristics
The third floor is themed around the intersection of office workspaces and the characteristics of Shiga Prefecture.
It is a floor where staff from sales, accounting and other departments can gather as full teams. The spatial design makes use of materials characteristic of Shiga.
Lake Biwa plays a big role in people’s perceptions of Shiga. Here, reeds that grow along its shores as native species are dried into flowers and used in decorations for fixtures and fittings.
Granite used in the local Shigaraki ware pottery is also a Shiga material. By using this for counter surfaces and parts of the planting, the space completes a landscape not found elsewhere.
Further inside, there is a “deep focus zone” that anyone can use. This area is designed so that, whether as a team or individually, people can take a step away from their usual work environment both physically and mentally and immerse themselves in a single line of thought.
A factory with spaces to care for body and mind
Another highlight is the break area within the factory. Previously, there had only been a small break room, but now there is a place inside the factory where staff can stretch out and relax. Musical instruments have also been placed there, allowing staff to let out their emotions and providing a change of mood in what can otherwise be a rather sterile environment.
As some tasks are physically demanding, there are also small nap rooms. These embody ITOKI’s belief that short periods of deep sleep or changing posture by lying down can reduce fatigue. In fact, factory staff report strong refreshment effects and usage levels are high.
Use of the women’s break room has increased from 5% to 20%. The staff canteen on the fourth floor has been divided into table seating where employees can gather and counter seating for individual use, creating a flexible space that can also be used for events.
Within the DESIGN HOUSE, data on people’s movements and usage patterns is tracked and visualised. From understanding who is where within the building to aggregating condition and performance data, this enables a continuous improvement cycle for the working environment.