Toray International, Inc.

Project management / Design / Construction / Management assistance

WORK PLACE

4,240㎡

A workplace created with client’s cooperation, reflecting each department’s individuality through a phased renovation

In this project, we were entrusted with the workplace development for the Tokyo head office of Toray International, Inc. We conducted the renovation in a phased manner, one floor at a time, while carefully listening to the voices of the employees and reflecting the characteristics of each department, pursuing spaces with improved efficiency and comfort. Furthermore, we incorporated the client’s corporate identity throughout the spaces so that the employees can feel proud of their company.

CONCEPT

Under the concept of “an evolving office,” our aim was to enable flexible work arrangements and effective spatial use by introducing ABW (Activity Based Working). Through close communication with the client and through the phased renovation, we developed work environments optimized for each department while listening to the voices of the employees right from the planning phase. While ensuring that the employees feel heard and understood through workshops and a trial implementation of hot desking, we developed workplace environments that would facilitate new ways of working.

PLANNING

To fully make use of the limited floor area, we created a sense of spatial depth by placing partitioned rooms along the structural core. For the main office floors, we drew up a different layout for each floor based on employee feedback, ensuring a spatial arrangement suited to the characteristics of each department. The reception area features a diagonally-oriented meeting room to guide visitors’ eyes toward the back of the space, and the window at the end of the corridor creates a sense of openness. All these elements make up a sophisticated space with a sense of trust and innovation.

DESIGN

Under the theme of “a bright, healthy, and comfortable space,” we incorporated each floor’s characteristics into the design. The reception area features colors reminiscent of the SDGs logo to reflect the client’s sustainability efforts. Moreover, we highlighted the client’s corporate identity by using fabrics manufactured by the client on the walls and couches. In the main office areas, we emphasized each department’s individuality with different color palettes and floor material arrangements.

The 2nd floor is a reception area, the 3rd floor is a co-working space, and the 4th through the 9th floors are main office areas. While following the unified design scheme for all floors, each floor features different added elements.

The 3rd floor, including the co-working space, is open to all employees. Through our discussions, we named it “bingo” to express vertical, lateral, and diagonal connections. The relaxing, salon-like atmosphere facilitates spontaneous communication, and the circadian lighting provides a pleasant lighting environment according to the time of the day.

In addition to the circadian lighting that changes the color temperature and brightness depending on the time of the day, the background music and the incorporation of aromatherapy further enhance the sense of comfort.

Here, working is prohibited during lunch time so that employees can truly enjoy their meal and each other’s company.

In the main office area on the 4th floor, the company’s creative aspect is expressed through the patchwork-style floor design and a wide variety of furniture. It is also equipped with a large worktable perfect for sampling.

The main office area on the 5th floor features colors inspired by outdoor products while reflecting the characteristics of the department there.

The main office area on the 6th floor features a design centered around navy, making up a calm and orderly space.

In the office area, there is a high-top table where the staff can take a break to refresh during work or hold informal meetings.

The main office area on the 7th floor features a colorful, fresh-looking finish with mainly cool colors. We also put creativity into the floor material arrangement and placed laterally long lines of different materials so as to create a sense of spatial depth and a unique look.

The main office area on the 8th floor mainly features warm colors to create a bright and cozy atmosphere.

The main office area on the 9th floor has been designed as an experimental office space centering on a hot desking area, and it also features a free space capable of accommodating different group sizes.

The reception area on the 2nd floor is the embodiment of the client’s brand philosophy of trust and innovation—a luxurious space that shows the client’s commitment to greater hospitality and sustainability. In designing the space, not only did we incorporate special paints and stone-like materials for a high-end look, but we also used a recycled construction material made with used coffee grounds.

The meeting rooms have been designed with a wide variety of colors reminiscent of the SDGs logo. The colors have been adjusted from their original state to resemble those found in nature so as to express the client’s sustainability efforts. The colors of the room signs, interior finish, and furniture have also been selected and arranged according to the theme colors of each room.

Wallpapers manufactured by the client are used in the meeting rooms to reflect the company’s branding policy and identity. The texture of the suede further adds to the refined look of the entire space.

The couches in the waiting area also feature fabric manufactured by the client to highlight their identity as part of the corporate branding.

LAUNCH

We were able to carry out the project smoothly through close cooperation with the client’s administrative department and the project champion of each floor. We also ensured that employees felt heard and understood by holding workshops from the early stages onwards to create an opportunity for them to think deeply about their workplace environment. These efforts not only led to great feedback from the client, but also helped us win another project at a different location.

PROJECT FLOW

Basic plan

We carried out the renovation in a phased manner, one floor at a time. We gathered opinions from the employees in each phase and reflected them concretely in our plan. Also, by setting up a hot desking area on the shared floor, including the co-working space, and by having the employees actually use it, we tried to clear up the uncertainties due to the transition from assigned seating to hot desking.
Implementation design

Centering on the design theme of “a bright, healthy, and comfortable space,” we built unique spaces by developing a distinct design plan that would draw out the unique aspects of each department.
Cost adjustment

Considering the nature of the long-term, phased renovation project, we controlled the budget allocation for each floor from the planning phase in such a way as to keep the cost within the budget, making adjustments as needed.
Work environment development

Since it was a long-term, phased renovation project, we ensured close cooperation with the client’s administrative department and other relevant parties through regular meetings, etc. and smoothly carried out everything from project management to design to construction work, successfully completing the project.

PROJECT DATA

Client: Toray International, Inc.
Project: Toray International, Inc. Tokyo Head Office Layout Modification Project
Business: WORK PLACE
Role: Project management / Design / Construction / Management assistance
Completion Date: 2024.09
Size: 4,240㎡
Location: Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Category: General trade company

CREDIT

Planning: KOKUYO CO.,LTD.

Project Management: Frontier Consulting Co., Ltd.

Design: Frontier Consulting Co., Ltd.

Construction: Frontier Consulting Co., Ltd.

Photograph: Suzuki Shinnosuke

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