Sony — Atsugi Technology Center: a research campus with a Foucault pendulum and a fountain for testing cameras

Concept

A campus built around testing

Atsugi is where Sony develops technology rather than where it sells it, and the campus shows it. The fountain in the courtyard, the company says, is there less for the view than for testing cameras.

The buildings are spread out, so the company keeps large umbrellas with the Sony logo for walking between them in the rain.

01 · Between buildings

Shared umbrellas and a fountain

Staff take a logo umbrella to cross between buildings when it rains — they are big enough to stay dry. The courtyard fountain is used for verifying cameras and other products.

02 · Sport

A ground, tennis courts and a gym

There is a sports ground and tennis courts outside, and a gym for those who prefer indoor sports.

03 · Screen, books, standing talk

A 4K theatre and a library

A screening room shows 4K images like a small cinema, so staff can experience the latest picture and sound technology. The library of specialist books is quiet enough to feel like a real one, and a standing meeting space in the corridor was made by converting a former smoking room.

04 · The pendulum

Hung from the seventh floor

In the entrance of the second technology center hangs a Foucault pendulum. It is suspended from the seventh floor, and from above you can follow the movement of the sphere.

05 · Canteen & café

A high ceiling, and colourful chairs

The canteen has a very high ceiling and a wall of glass that fills it with daylight. The café mixes colourful furniture with warm timber, and its sofa seats have monitors for meetings.

06 · Komichika

A basement for new challenges

Komichika is a new space for communication and new ideas in the basement of the Communication Plaza. Inside is a laboratory with machines and tools for prototyping, along with meeting tables and a corner for reading.