Kurita Water Industries Ltd.
Project management / Design / Construction
WORK PLACE
2,550㎡
An ABW-oriented office for diverse working styles and for increased communication and sense of belonging
We were entrusted with the development of the head office of Kurita Water Industries Ltd., a company tackling water and environment-related issues through the provision of its wide range of products, technologies, and services for water treatment. Adopting activity-based working (or ABW) and setting up five different areas, which the employees can choose from depending on their tasks and goals, we designed the spaces in such a way as to help nurture inter-departmental communication and a sense of belonging and to support diverse working styles.
CONCEPT
With the objectives to 1) promote true communication among the employees, 2) develop a place for nurturing a sense of trust and unity, and 3) develop an office in which the employees can choose where to work depending on their tasks and goals, we defined the features necessary for each area and the types of communication to be accommodated. By refining the spatial design based on these objectives, we aimed at building a work environment which would allow for diverse working styles and achievement of goals to the maximum extent possible.
PLANNING
To implement ABW that is tailored to Kurita Industries, we defined five different areas, each of which features a specific layout and pieces of furniture to help the employees work in line with their goals. We kept the number of walls and partitions minimal so as to create wide, open spaces with great visibility and to promote spontaneous interactions among the employees. Also, the Innovation area featuring greenery and lights with warmer colors helps nurture new encounters regardless of one’s department through communication in a relaxed and casual mood.
DESIGN
To visually convey the different purposes of each area, we set theme colors and expressed their differences through design and graphics. We ensured harmony between design and functionality by maintaining a sense of continuity while avoiding monotonousness in these expansive spaces. Moreover, design features that would evoke images of natural environments and water, which define what Kurita Industries does, have been incorporated so that the company’s philosophy and identity can be felt throughout the office.
The Shared Seating area is perfect for collaborations and meetings with two to four people. It helps strengthen the connections among the employees through casual interactions and spontaneous conversations.
The Discussion area is for sharing ideas with other members through brainstorming sessions, etc.
The Solo Work area lets you concentrate on your work, such as preparation of materials and organizing of data, while also enabling you to easily talk to others or check progress with others as needed.
Characterized by its relaxing mood with greenery and natural materials, the Innovation area helps the employees interact with each other casually for new ideas and inspirations.
On the glass walls of the meeting room, we applied our original decorative films inspired by flowing water.
The vision wall in the Innovation area on the 8th floor features the client’s company logo as well as the word “water” in different languages, visually telling of the global network of Kurita Industries.
The water droplet decorations, which have been crafted meticulously by a glass artist, express the honesty and earnestness of Kurita Industries.
The water droplet decorations, which have been crafted meticulously by a glass artist, express the honesty and earnestness of Kurita Industries.
The vision wall in the Innovation area on the 9th floor shows the client’s corporate philosophy.
To reflect the client’s water and environment-related business, we incorporated natural materials, such as plants, in many parts of the office.
LAUNCH
Beginning with the clarification of work situations, we had a lot of discussions with the client from the initial stage onwards, which helped us carry out the entire project smoothly. We also received great feedback from the client’s employees on their evaluation of their use of the renovated office. Since the client is intending to update their office utilization continuously, we are certain that the office will continue improving in the future.
PROJECT FLOW
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Clarification of requirements
To materialize the client’s ideal office based on their business policy, we identified elements necessary for the head office by analyzing the assessment results of the office renovation project of the client’s Osaka branch that had been carried out prior to this one. We proceeded with the project upon clarifying challenges to overcome in fulfilling our goals.
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Concept design
In building a foundation for accommodating new working styles, our core focus was to develop office spaces that would nurture inter-departmental communication, a sense of belonging, and diverse working styles.
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Basic plan
While minimizing the number of walls for spaciousness, we developed the layout in such a way as to facilitate communication among departments by allowing for full utilization of the features of the five different areas.
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Implementation design
The differences among five different areas are expressed visually through the use of floor materials with different colors and patterns while maintaining a sense of openness. Also, throughout the office, we incorporated materials and accents which reflect the client’s corporate identity so that the employees can feel a sense of familiarity.
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Cost adjustment
Because it was a long-term project consisting of two phases, we proceeded with our plan by adjusting the budget appropriately, taking into account the increases in the prices during the second phase.
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Work environment development
Because the outcome of the project would bring significant changes to the client’s office environment and working styles, we provided the client with documents, presentations, etc. necessary for their in-house approval process and ensured smooth execution of the project. Furthermore, as we were changing the layouts of spaces that were in use, we developed and followed a very detailed and strict schedule, which covered packing and handling of existing items, as well as other tasks to be done during the period before and after the construction work, so as not to hinder the client’s normal operations.
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Office use management support
After the project’s completion, we created a video describing how to utilize the ABW-oriented office so as to improve awareness of office use management.
PROJECT DATA
Client: Kurita Water Industries Ltd.
Project: Nakano Head Office ABW-oriented Office Renovation Project
Business: WORK PLACE
Role: Project management / Design / Construction
Completion Date: 2023.12
Size: 2,550㎡
Location: Nakano-ku, Tokyo
Category: Manufacture and sale of water treatment chemicals and devices, maintenance of water treatment chemical devices, and supply of ultrapure water
CREDIT
- Planning
Frontier Consulting Co., Ltd.
- Project management
Frontier Consulting Co., Ltd.
- Design
Frontier Consulting Co., Ltd.
- Construction
Frontier Consulting Co., Ltd.
- Photograph
IN FOCUS
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