Nagoya Railroad Co.,Ltd.
Project management / Design / Partial construction work
WORK PLACE
3,293㎡
A collaborative workplace with diverse individuals, built on 130 years of history
The head office relocation project of Nagoya Railroad Co., Ltd., a company with 130 years of history, was launched against the backdrop of the redevelopment of the area around Meitetsu Nagoya Station. In this project, our goal was to create a place that bridges the past and the future while ensuring the quality and functionality required as the central hub of the Meitetsu Group. The new, forward-looking office provides a flexible work environment that fosters collaboration and connections among diverse individuals and encourages spontaneous interactions, enabling the Meitetsu Group to take on new challenges.
CONCEPT
To carry the company’s history into the future, we envisioned each employee and every group company as a “thread” and developed the concept of “weaving,” with the aim of helping shape an organization and culture that is like a supple, strong piece of fabric. Our goal was to create a space that would facilitate spontaneous interactions, collaboration, and serendipitous engagement, as the client’s employees embrace changes and build connections beyond the boundaries of departments and group companies.
PLANNING
Through a number of workshops from the initial stage onwards, we clarified the client’s current operational challenges and future vision. By incorporating the findings into our programming report, we developed the overall zoning while taking into consideration the roles and security requirements of each floor. For the 8th floor, we ensured a sense of openness, centering on the visitor area and the Communication Lounge, while the 11th floor was set up as a refined and highly-confidential area for officers and secretaries. The main work areas were designed around team-based hot desking areas, with gentle lines of movement and communication spaces that facilitate connection and collaboration.
DESIGN
With varying finishes that transition gently, the entire space is constructed as though it were a single piece of fabric, reflecting the project concept. Use of different floor materials and decorations evokes the image of threads woven together, gradually expanding to form a fabric. Additionally, we created a sense of warmth and softly-unfolding depth by incorporating rounded furniture, natural light, wooden materials, and greenery. At the entrance, we installed futuristic transparent OLED signage (a type of digital signage equipped with a transparent organic EL display), creating a visually striking feature and an unconventional space that embodies the client’s values and forward-looking approach.
The transparent OLED signage at the 8th floor entrance with both glass-like transparency and image projection, creating a visually striking space. We also installed glass partitions to enhance the sense of continuity across the 8th floor.
The wall on the left is equipped with a large display that can be used for presentations and various events. Movable and stackable furniture provides flexibility for reconfiguring the layout. The lounge area incorporates a decoration that evokes the concept of “weaving,” creating a sense of unity throughout the space.
The café area, located between the visitor area and the lounge, facilitates natural interactions among employees as well as with guests. The company information and Meitetsu items that are showcased on the display shelving unit serve as an icebreaker for conversations.
High-top tables and couches are placed by the windows to allow people to relax while enjoying the view.
Under the theme of “the vistas that the Meitetsu trains take you to,” the walls of the meeting and reception rooms feature images of tourist destinations and famous spots. Each room has its own unique design, each nicely complementing the other.
The 9th floor includes a main work area and a lounge. The lounge features wooden elements and casual furniture, establishing an atmosphere distinct from that of the main work area. Also, its floor features several different materials to evoke threads of fabric overlapping in a random pattern.
This neutral-looking main work area mainly features wooden elements and white tones. The blue used in the company’s logo is also incorporated as an accent to create a sense of unity throughout the space.
The main work area on the 10th floor is designed with the same materials and color scheme as those of the 9th floor, ensuring a sense of spatial unity.
This is the reception on the 11th floor, which is a dedicated area for officers and secretaries. A combination of plaster finishes and indirect lighting, paired with an engraved company logo and an automatic door on the left, creates a high-quality space that is ideal for welcoming guests.
The reception rooms and boardrooms feature plaster finishes and natural wood furniture, creating a sophisticated atmosphere throughout the secretary area.
LAUNCH
Although the client was capable of handling nearly every aspect of the project, including design, construction, furniture, relocation, and network installation, we built a trust-based relationship through close communication and carried out the project as a collaborative partner. Despite the short project duration of only one and a half years, we successfully delivered a high-quality outcome, creating a space that symbolizes the client’s transition to a new stage and earning positive feedback from visitors.
PROJECT FLOW
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Clarification of requirements
Our mission was to complete the relocation within a short timeframe while ensuring the quality and functionality required for the head office. We held workshops and conducted data analysis to clarify the client’s vision and challenges, compiling a programming report to guide the project direction.
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Concept design
Based on the challenges and project direction identified during the requirement clarification stage, we articulated the client’s unique identity and their ideal ways of working going forward, establishing a clear concept to guide the spatial development of the project.
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Basic plan
We planned the spatial development in a way that facilitates the improvement of communication among groups, support a transformation of corporate culture and ways of working, and accommodate new ways of working.
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Implementation design
Based on the basic plan, we finalized the specifications of finishes and equipment in detail to ensure the precision required for construction. Furthermore, we prepared various drawings and documents to ensure a smooth transition to the construction phase.
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Cost adjustment
In the basic design, we carefully selected specifications and finishes to strike a balance between design quality and cost. In the implementation design, we reviewed the specifications and finishes based on the results of bids from construction and furniture companies, and compiled a report. By making staged adjustments, we designed a space with the desired quality while minimizing costs.
PROJECT DATA
Client: Nagoya Railroad Co.,Ltd.
Project: Nagoya Railroad Head Office
Business: WORK PLACE
Role: Project management / Design / Partial construction work
Completion Date: 2024.12
Size: 3,293㎡
Location: Nakamura-ku, Nagoya City
Category: Management of railroads and group companies
CREDIT
- Project Management
Frontier Consulting Co., Ltd.
- Design
Frontier Consulting Co., Ltd.
- Construction
Meitetsu Department Store Co., Ltd. / Meitetsu Kyosho Co., Ltd. / Taisei-Yuraku Real Estate Co.,Ltd. / Frontier Consulting Co., Ltd.
- Photograph
Hoonoki-Syashinshitsu
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