JAPAN'S BEST-DESIGNED OFFICES
Concept
WA: a ring, Japan, and surprise
The concept is “WA”, a word with three meanings here. 輪 is a ring — the circle of people round an okonomiyaki griddle or a dining table. 和 is Japan, and taking Japanese food culture to the world. ワッ! is the sound of surprise.
Circles repeat across the space. Seating is free, walls and partitions are kept to a minimum, and curves in the floor and ceiling divide the zones gently. A round area at the centre works as a magnet, and most of the furniture, including the meeting rooms’, can be moved.
01 · The logo
Thread on pegboard, made by staff
At the entrance the logo is drawn in thread on pegboard. The artwork was made with staff in workshops, and they keep updating it.
02 · Café
A counter like a griddle
The café counter is modelled on an okonomiyaki griddle, and the corporate colour appears as an accent.
03 · Circles
Desks that gather round
Desks curve into circles and arcs, so that people sit facing one another as they would round a table.
04 · Names
Tomato and Dates
Meeting rooms have names such as Tomato and Dates — ingredients of the sauce — chosen by staff.
05 · Details
Orange, curves and soft seats
Orange stair rails, curved ceilings and upholstered booths carry the warmth through the rest of the base.
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