OPTEX — Lake Biwa: a sensor maker’s office with a lab in the middle and a café on the lake

Concept

Ripple Work

OPTEX was running a work-style project called “Ripple Work”: the thoughts and actions of each employee spreading like ripples, crossing departments and positions and creating new value.

Workshops and interviews showed two needs: an environment where developers, half the staff, could be productive and creative, and more communication across departments.

01 · Ripple Lab

Talking through things

Communication “through objects” used to happen in a separate development room. Now it happens in the open, in the Ripple Lab at the centre of the work area. Wire-mesh walls can hold sensors under development, the furniture moves, and the work areas’ routes circle round the lab. A furniture series called common furniture gives it the feel of a workshop.

02 · The lake

A café at the west entrance

To bring people between the east and west sides, and to use a view that had been wasted, a café was placed at the entrance to the west area, facing Lake Biwa. It is used for breaks, meetings, events and study sessions.

03 · Work

Long hours, away from the window

Seats for long stretches of work are placed away from the windows, so that the view and changing light do not distract. The office is expected to keep changing as the work does.