NGK/NTK Venture Lab Tokyo
Shinagawa, Tokyo, Japan
Located on the 13th floor of an office tower in Shinagawa, Venture Lab Tokyo is a 260㎡facility dedicated to showcasing the clients core technologies utilizing fine ceramics and promoting active engagements with potential partners to co-create products in the field of medicine, environment and next-generation vehicles.
The brief called for a reception, lounge and exhibition space within a typical open plan office space surrounded by meeting rooms and a VIP room. The distinguishing feature of the facility is an exhibition space contained within a multifaceted glass enclosure inserted into a rigid rectilinear space. Several triangular voids generated between the contrasting forms serves as functional corridors and establishes its dynamic identity.
Within the exhibition space, 9 bespoke display tables lined with gravel infused plaster evokes the raw state of ceramic. The clients core technologies are explained and illustrated in detail through AR-capable tablets and large-scale video projection. Level of privacy required for various scenarios are controlled though electrochromic films applied to all glass surfaces within the facility.
The principal proposition of the project is to propose a distinctive spatial composition that attempts to break the rigid image of a conventional working environment. The multifaceted crystalline form of the exhibition space generated voids that possessed great flexibility and make reference to the client’s corporate identity of crystallizing ceramic at a nano scale.
Ableton Tokyo Renovation
Naka-meguro, Tokyo, Japan
Located along the Meguro Riverbank, Ableton Tokyo is a 110m2 office renovation for a German software company specializing in music creation. The prominent feature of the existing space is the wide horizontal window that frames the beautiful rows of cherry trees along the river. During spring, people can have their own private ‘Hanami’
The lounge area is designed to encourage interaction amongst staff and with guests. The high counter allows people to casually meet and have ad hoc meetings whilst enjoying the view of the Meguro River. The interior tone is purposefully subdued to focus the attention on the rich nature beyond. The glazed meeting room located between the lounge and working space acts as an acoustic buffer whilst ensuring generous light penetrates the space. The studio space adjacent to the lounge is a dedicated space for music creation by visiting artists.
Photography © Anna Nagai