ARUHI Corporation

Concept Planning / Project Management / Design / Construction

WORK PLACE

2022.03

925.6㎡

Situated Close to Nature: A New Style Different from the Headquarters in Downtown Tokyo

ARUHI Corporation is the largest housing loan provider in Japan. We were entrusted with workplace development for their Kashiwanoha Innovation Lab—their second headquarters following their Roppongi Headquarters. By ensuring the connection between these two sites and by creating a unique space that would allow the users to enjoy lush nature that downtown Tokyo does not have, we designed it in such a way that it would create a new style of workplace.

CONCEPT

Since Kashiwanoha Innovation Lab would most likely be used by both the new staff hired locally and those who usually work at Roppongi Headquarters, we conceived an idea of developing a workplace that capitalizes on the lush nature of the Kashiwanoha campus town. By differentiating it from the headquarters in downtown Tokyo, we set a concept of “MBW (Mood-Based Working)” to allow each user to choose their work environment depending on their mood at a particular moment.

PLANNING

Since there is a wonderful view outside the windows, we wanted to avoid setting up any walls so as to create a sense of openness throughout the space. To do that without compromising the project concept, we needed to incorporate various elements so as to make it a space that would facilitate the new style of workplace. So, we came up with a layout that would foster MBW, by concentrating a relaxation space and meeting spaces along the windows that connect the office space with the lush nature of the surrounding area.

DESIGN

We also wanted to incorporate other elements besides the layout to connect with the surrounding area’s lush nature, including a pond, which we suggested by attaching ripple-inspired objects titled MINAMO to the ceiling. Some of these circular objects are made with a mirror material for enjoying the view through the reflection. The client also wanted a space set up particularly for connecting their business locations and encouraging more communication, so we set up a circular space, with a monitor and seats, in the center of the workplace to symbolize the idea.

This is MINAMO installed to the ceiling by the windows. In addition to the mirror material onto which the view outside is reflected, these objects are colored with light blue which represents the pond and with yellow which is ARUHI’s corporate color.

The circular space, equipped with a large monitor and located in the center, functions as a connector for the entire workplace. This space can be divided up in different ways with curtains depending on use.

In this project, we broke down the entire space into three layers—floor, columns, and ceiling—and drew up their diagrams. By giving a new meaning to each element, we designed a space that would facilitate a new style of working as well as corporate PR while maintaining an open environment.

LAUNCH

Upon completion, the client told us that we did a great job “creating a wonderful workplace”. At night, the symbolic structure, MINAMO, installed on the ceiling of the workplace is lit up with indoor lighting, so it can be seen clearly from outside the building as well. The project had another objective, and it was to create new employment opportunities at Kashiwanoha Innovation Lab. We hope that MINAMO catching the eye of the people in the area would contribute to the objective.

PROJECT FLOW

Clarification of requirements

We developed a layout based on the RFP and taking into account the connection between Kashiwanoha Innovation Lab and the Roppongi office.
Basic design

While developing a layout which utilizes the space along the windows, we considered practical aspects in detail by holding workshops with the client’s employees.
Cost adjustment

Due to factors such as changes in the client’s corporate policy, we revised the layout and the schedule and reconsidered office furniture to cut costs. We implemented cost adjustment while checking priorities with the client and ensuring the quality of design.
Schedule management

Since the construction work had to be carried out with the client’s call center open at all times, we managed the process by dividing the construction phase into two terms and by implementing measures against noise leakage such as temporary walls.

PROJECT DATA

Client: ARUHI Corporation
Project: ARUHI Second head office "Kashiwa-no-ha Innovation LABO"
Business: Work Place Construction
Role: Project Management / Design / Construction
Completion Date: 2022.03
Size: 925.6㎡
Location: Kashiwa-shi, Chiba