How Architecture Can Allow For Routine Office Life And Self-expression Simultaneously The latest project from architecture firm, GENETO STUDIO, needed to combine space to work with space to explore. ‘a TOKYO’, the company behind ART FAIR TOKYO, asked for a new office, one that would accommodate the routine of everyday work but that could also be adapted for the ART programme when necessary. The 100m2 space, on the fourth floor of busy intersection building, the GENETO team, lead by Koji Yamanaka, installed three box spaces to serve as two offices and a meeting room. The spaces were closed off, to allow for privacy and productivity, however thee frames were made from clear glass, mirror and wall. Using these materials meant that the spaces were self-contained but also allowed visibility from the interior and the exterior, so that those inside and outside the boxes are privy to all going ons. Modern and airy, industrial yet friendly, the design is a work of art in itself. It inspires creativity, freedom and expression while also creating clean, tidy spaces for getting on with the repetitive tasks of a normal work day. We spoke to Asako Yamashita about the challenges they faced and what the future holds. The Plus: How long did the whole project take to complete? Asako Yamashita: The beginning of May 2015 until the end of June 2015 TP: What was the biggest challenge you faced during the project? AY: This is a head office managing ART FAIR TOKYO which is the biggest art event in Japan. As the head office of such an event, we tried to create a suitable space for the people working there. As well as this we had to create a space that allowed for fun, for discovery and that was impressive. TP: What is your favourite aspect of the project/the office? AY: The location is close to Tokyo Tower and the office is facing the trees in the gardens in various embassy. It is a leading landscape in Tokyo. The favorite aspect is that it is able to get such environment through the frames in the office. TP: What are the main materials used and why? AY: The main material we used was wood, wool, cement, board, structural plywood and corkboard. We changed the material we used according to the room as we felt it was better to use a few materials in each room instead of the full selection in every room. Changing the materials allows each room to have its own unique atmosphere and style. TP: What’s next for you? AY: This was the first time we have designed the interior for an office and we really enjoyed it. People spend almost as much time in the office as they do in their own houses and in the future we would love to design the perfect office prototype. Finish： 〈Staff Room/ Lounge/ Pantry〉 Ceiling：Existing building demolition exposed LGS Wall：Existing wall paper paint refinishing Flooring：Existing building maintenance 〈Meeting Room〉 Ceiling：Existing building maintenance, paint refinishing Wall：Wood wool cement board horizontally sticking Flooring：Larch plywood, paint finishing 〈President Room〉 Ceiling：Existing building maintenance(paint refinishing) Wall：Wood wool cement board horizontally sticking Flooring：Lauan plywood Paint finishing 〈Chairman Room〉 Ceiling：Existing building maintenance(paint refinishing) Wall：Wood wool cement board horizontally sticking Flooring：Veneer with cork 〈Copy Space〉 Ceiling：Existing building maintenance(paint refinishing) Wall：Lauan plywood paint finishing(silver) Flooring：Existing building maintenance Photo : Yasutake Kondo
