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In 2018 , the Nippon Foundation collaborated with Shibuya City and its Tourism Association to launch “The Tokyo Toilet.”

The project, which has since attracted a lot of media attention, domestic and international alike, aims to eliminate the negative stigma of public toilets and realize a society that recognizes a diversity of users.

17 Public Toilet Renovation Projects in Shibuya City

Since its start, they have renovated 17 public toilets in Shibuya City. 16 world-renowned architects and designers participated, challenged to solve social problems with their creative power, improving the toilet’s maintenance as well. To know more about the projects’ philosophy, we recommend you view this cinematic advertisement.

“The Tokyo Toilet” Inspired Award-winning Feature Film “Perfect Days”

German filmmaker Wim Wenders was also invited to Tokyo to take a look at the uniqueness of each facility. First introduced to this project by Koji Yanai, president of Fast Retailing, Wenders imagined a feature film, co-written by Takuma Takasaki and starring Yakusho Kōji, who won best actor at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival for his lead role in “Perfect Days”.

In Japan, it’s long been important to always keep toilets clean, to the point they’ve come to represent the symbol of Japan’s world-class “omotenashi” hospitality culture.

The Importance of Improving Quality of Life Through Inclusive Design

In Japan, toilets are ubiquitous. However, due to the stereotype that many public toilets are dark, dirty and smelly, people’s use has been limited. Since the renovations, it was reported in a survey conducted by Nippon Foundation that the project is having its effect, improving the image of public toilets.

Compared to before the restrooms were renovated, use of the Public Toilets have increased sevenfold and fivefold in two locations, while the number of people voicing aversion to public toilets shrank from some 30% to a mere 3%.

The hope of Nippon Foundation is that access to attractive and clean public toilets will boost the image of surrounding areas, with the facilities becoming tourist attractions in their own right.

Our hope as designers is to have succeeded in shedding some light on how important public design for public spaces is, and the positive effect that it can have on society, always keeping in mind the users first and foremost.

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Photo: Satoshi Nagare, courtesy of the Nippon Foundation
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THE TOKYO TOILET
This project by The Nippon Foundation aims for the realization of a society where all kinds of diversity are accepted, by building public toilets. With the full cooperation of Shibuya city, 17 toilets that are accessible for anyone regardless of gender, age, or disability will be created. Through the power of design and the creativity of 16 creators who support the objectives of this project, The Nippon Foundation is demonstrating what this new society can achieve. The toilets will be constructed by DAIWA HOUSE INDUSTRY CO., LTD., and TOTO LTD. will advise on toilet equipment and layout.

You might be familiar with the Japanese culture of capsule hotels, just think of the recently demolished Nakagin Capsule Tower, an iconic piece of architecture from 1972 once located in the luxury shopping district of Ginza.

Most recently, a new type of capsule, or better, a pod, has sparked conversation on both YouTube and TikTok, where influencers first started reporting their experiences. Very quickly, design magazines have picked up on “giraffenap”, the sleeping pod.

Different from capsule hotels, this special pod is not meant to be used at nighttime. The creators advise not taking a nap after 3 pm as it can interfere with nighttime sleep. Instead, the pod is designed for a refreshing 20-minute power nap at midday.

By a combination of the Japanese eye for detail and design technology, each giraffenap standing sleeping pod consists of cushioned parts that support the head, buttocks, shins, and soles. By targeting these four points, users can enter a nap state without compromising relaxation and posture.

The pods also come in two styles to best support different surroundings: Spacia, with a sleek and futuristic design; and Forest, with a Japanese aesthetic of lattice-style woodwork. Both are equipped with dimming lights, ventilation, and power outlets to charge devices while napping.

As companies increasingly focus on employee wellbeing, we believe this is an interesting solution to implement in offices. It’s recommended to have a safe space where people can take a brief rest when needed, by recharging creative batteries and without compromising nighttime sleep.

Photo: giraffenap

An auditory interior called “Synclee” was successfully completed through the joint development of three companies: the media lab “Laatry”; the brand “LinNe,” created by the collaboration of “Nanjo Kobo” (Nanjo Workshop) known for producing Kyoto Buddhist bells (“orin”); and “Bench Work Tatenui,” a company with expertise in Kyoto woodwork techniques.

Driven by Laatry’s concept of “transmitting and harmonizing” and the combination of “traditional techniques and the workshop’s unique materials”, the sound produced by “LinNe” aims to harmonize with modern lifestyles, encouraging people to enjoy music freely. The result of this collaboration is “CYCLEE,” which has already been showcased in various environments such as galleries, museums, hotels, temples, and public spaces.

“Synclee,” derived from this sound installation artwork, is designed and crafted by an atelier with expertise in Kyoto woodwork techniques. This made the product gain attention both domestically and internationally for it seamlessly fits into any space.

Likewise, GARDE has brought various collaborations to life in its previous space design projects. Harmony in design, varying from classical to modern spaces, is crucial, and the choice of “appropriate design” for audio equipment is sought after in this case.

In this regard, Synclee’s aesthetics harmonize effortlessly regardless of Japanese or Western, classical or modern influences. This product, which places emphasis on the harmony of sound quality and form, is therefore to be considered a rare and exceptional creation.

Furthermore, integrating the latest audio equipment into a traditional Japanese room poses challenges, making Synclee an outstanding product. Its digital yet analog operability, its collaboration with a workshop specializing in the important Buddhist instrument “orin,” and other aspects make it an endlessly fascinating creation.

For further information, please visit the following link.
https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000001.000118010.html

OpenFashion, Inc. has announced the results of its design contest with the theme of “Attire for Countdown Parties in the Metaverse.”

The three selected designs will be released as avatar-wearable items on the metaverse platform “ZEPETO” by the AI-powered fashion brand “accelerando.Ai.”

COCO WARP, the metaverse space produced by GARDE, allows users to control a similarly future-themed avatar. It is made for activities like art appreciation, audio-visual experiences, music, and virtual conferences. In this virtual space, you can enjoy creations that incorporate designs and functionalities that would not be possible in the physical world.

The metaverse, with its acceptance of diversity, is becoming an integral part of our culture and lifestyle. It is transcending the virtual realm, blurring the lines between “virtual” and “real.” A future in which we increasingly utilize this new space is coming.

For further information, please visit the following link.
https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000075.000012284.html

Image credit: OpenFashion, Inc.

Office design is a crucial element in boosting staff morale and creating a positive impression on all stakeholders, including clients. Achieving an excellent office design necessitates a detailed and comprehensive assessment of your company’s goals.

In this article, we will introduce key points to assist you in deciding on an office design from a design firm’s perspective.

This article will be beneficial for:
　▹ Those considering a layout for an office relocation or other reasons.
　▹ Those who would like to refer to examples of office design.
　▹ Those interested in making their office effective for corporate branding as well.

How to determine the design concept

Interviewing staff members is one of the effective methods for determining the design concept of an office. By confirming their opinions about the current workplace and identifying the functions that should be provided in your future office, it becomes easier to pinpoint current issues and formulate a concept. Additionally, it is possible to enhance cohesiveness and productivity through interviews with staff members. Various ideas will be employed to bring the office closer to a comfortable working environment.

+α: Don’t forget to put in the “color” = DNA of the company.

There are two meanings to the use of colors.

The first “color” refers to the corporate color. Many corporate colors that represent a company are the same as the corporate logo. Utilizing the same color as the corporate logo, prominently displayed at the entrance, fosters a sense of unity throughout the entire interior. This approach is also effective in leaving a lasting impression on individuals both inside and outside the company, contributing to branding efforts.

The second “color” represents the atmosphere and personality of the company. Each company has its distinct color, shaped by the staff, external interactions, location, and the company’s culture. While envisioning how the company aims to initiate operations in a new office, it is essential to incorporate the company’s individuality into the interior design, aligning with the concept of office design.

Designing the Layout

①Area Separations
Consider the essential elements for your company’s office: office space, meeting rooms, a lounge, refreshment area, etc. Dividing the required space into distinct areas and making them visually apparent will facilitate an efficient process when contemplating the layout.

+α: Pay attention to office design trends

In recent years, as reforms in work styles have progressed, some companies have adopted café spaces, bars, and other facilities to improve the satisfaction of their working staff and make their workplaces more comfortable. By expanding such break and refreshment spaces, staff members who do not interact with each other on the job will have more opportunities to communicate and improve their productivity.

In addition, the number of seats and structure required for office space varies greatly depending on whether it is fixed seating or free-address seating.
For companies that also support working remotely, in addition to the idea of having more meeting rooms, individual booths for telephone or online meetings can be set up in a variety of ways.

②Movement Lines
Layout decisions will proceed smoothly if the movement lines of not only working staff but also all visitors, including deliveries, are considered—from the office to the conference room, from the reception desk to the conference room, etc.

In particular, conference rooms, often used by visitors, should be located near the entrance, while lockable cabinets and lockers containing confidential information should be positioned at the far end of the floor or in an area easily managed by a limited number of staff to maintain corporate privacy.
Effectively utilizing the results of an office usability analysis from the current office, known as a “usability survey,” for the new office and incorporating it into the design can also be beneficial.

＋α：Considering and designing for safety

Ensuring staff safety is paramount in office design. The layout should account for evacuation routes in the case of a disaster.

However, if evacuation routes and staff surroundings are not regularly organized, it cannot be asserted that safety is ensured, even if reflected in the design. Consider strategies to maintain safety while also keeping the office organized, such as installing individual lockers or implementing a free address system to discourage personal use of the office.

Design Cases

Once the above items have been determined, it is time to proceed to the specific design.
GARDE has designed offices for both cutting-edge and well-established companies.

Image Credit：SThree K.K.

Please click here to find more case examples.

Conclusion

In this article, we have introduced how to select a concept and key points when considering the layout to create a comfortable office environment.

As a branding and design firm, GARDE is engaged in space design across various sectors, including commercial, office, hospitality, and retail. We specialize in proposing spaces that embody the client’s vision, combining excellence in design with functionality.
We offer one-stop support for relocation strategy development, market information research, cost simulation, office building selection and real estate leasing brokerage, as well as design and construction. Please feel free to contact us.

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