Designer Insights: The Future of Offices
Vol.4 Expressing a Company’s Identity
– The Role of Office Space
Chairs selected out of affinity for the design
The space is accented by “legged elements.” For this, Mr. Nakahara selected the Hazel series from UCHIDA YOKO, designed by Taiji Fujimori. This chair is made from shaped plywood, with the seat part and back rest forming a shell that is bent into a three-dimensional shape. In the middle, notches are added. The seat is supported by steel legs, and the chair is even stackable. “I wasn’t going to make legged elements myself. They are difficult and that would have been too much. I selected this chair from the point of view that it suits the space and is light.”
What kind of new properties does Mr. Nakahara think will be required of office spaces in the future?
“Society is changing rapidly, take for example the awareness of gender topics. I think office design will respond to things like that, becoming even more diverse, more segmented, and continuing to evolve. Then there are ecological and sustainability considerations. What materials to use, where to get them, how to dispose of them, recycling and reuse all have complicated requirements, but I believe people expect today’s design to rise to those challenges.”
Exhibition Design: Takashi Nakahara, Mariko Abe
Photography: OOKI JINGU
- Takashi Nakahara Architect and museum designer
- After working at Arima Hiroyuki+Urban Fourth, he has been active in the fields of architecture, interior design, and museum design. His work primarily focuses on the design of permanent and special exhibitions for science museums and general museums. Additionally, he engages in architectural design, interior design, and spatial installations across a wide range of projects.
- <Major Achievements>
- Exhibition space design for 21_21 DESIGN SIGHT, Ginza Sony Park, "Yves Saint Laurent Exhibition," "Eiko Ishioka: Blood, Sweat, and Tears Can Design?," and "10 Mame Kurogouchi." Museum design for Kitakyushu Science Museum, Amami World Heritage Center, JAL SKY MUSEUM, among others.
- <Major Awards>
- Gold Prize at the Japan Space Design Award, SDA Grand Prize and Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award, ADC Award, iF Design Award, and others
Yasushi Yamazaki／Journalist (JDN director)
With a strong interest in design, Yamazaki joined Tanseisha. In 1997, he participated in the launch of the company’s new business venture, the design information website "Japan Design Net (JDN)." He also worked on establishing "Toryumon" and “Design no Oshigoto” as business projects, managing the planning and operations of design contests. After serving as editor-in-chief, he assumed his current position. He continues to conduct interviews related to design, as well as coordinating talks and judging panels.