Schaeffler Japan Co., Ltd. Head Office
| address | Yokohama City, Kanagawa prefecture |
|---|---|
| Completion date | June 2023 |
| scale |
Approximately 2,000㎡ |
| Number of residents | 136 people |
| Main construction details | Layout design, interior design, furniture |
- The above information is at the time of completion.
Localizing the Group's global standards to suit Japanese characteristics and creating new ways of working that generate active interaction
Schaeffler Japan Co., Ltd., a global supplier of diverse automobiles and industrial machinery with the theme of "We pioneer motion," has completely renovated its head office to put into practice the new post-COVID-19 work style "New Work" as specified by its German headquarters. From the layout to the selection of furniture, the office was built to fit the Japanese work style while incorporating the wishes of the group headquarters.
Gravity point
Gravity point
Gravity Point is a colorful and bright space where various company events are held, and people are drawn to it. The disc-shaped lighting was created by a lighting designer in accordance with the regulations set by the group headquarters.
Open work area
Open work area
A co-working space with monitors installed in every seat. Graphics of a car chassis create an impressive space.
Open work area
Open work area
A co-working space with high tables. It's easy to make eye contact with people who are standing, which can lead to accidental interactions.
Open work area
Open work area
Near the individual work areas, there are meeting seats for casual discussions, and high tables make it easy to get together quickly.
Meeting room
Meeting room
Meeting rooms that can be used by small groups. All private rooms are separated by glass partitions, allowing you to see what's going on inside.
Meeting room
Meeting room
The meeting room in the center of the work area. Each room has tables set at different heights, allowing them to be used according to the duration and content of the meeting.
Meeting room
Meeting room
A chat booth where you can have a meeting or conversation in a relaxed atmosphere. The dot-patterned glass partition gently blocks the view of others.
Waiting space
Waiting space
Waiting area on the 4th floor entrance. There is also a drink corner, making it ideal for short meetings.
Entrance & Reception
Entrance & Reception
The fourth floor visitor floor has a sophisticated interior based on the company's corporate colors, creating a space that exudes the orderliness and hospitality expected of a technology company. In the hall, a photo panel of the company's founder is incorporated into the interior, creating a space where guests can feel Schaeffler's pioneering spirit.
User's Voice
Schaeffler Japan Co., Ltd.
Representative Director and CEO Shoichi Tanaka
Although this was our first collaboration with ITOKI, they approached the project with enthusiasm, making proposals that showed a deep understanding of the concept and responding quickly. At the workshop, they also incorporated the opinions of the Group Headquarters, and rather than simply saying "it's not possible" when something was impossible, they clearly showed reasons and alternative solutions, which was a good way to communicate while still remaining true to the Itoki style.
The new office has made the most of the space by eliminating executive offices and managerial desks. The open space allows workers to see their activities and communication, stimulating indirect communication. This has the effect of deepening understanding of those around them. I think the biggest outcome of the renovation is that the walls between departments have been lowered through project initiatives and the hot desking work style.
Comment
Rather than simply replicating the regulations of the home country, we partially localized them based on Japanese culture, characteristics, and ease of working, and we proceeded with the project by discussing together with the client how to implement and practice new ways of working.
By changing from an office based on assigned seats to one that aims for co-creation through communication, we reconsidered the spatial shape and surrounding context, and focused on zoning that would naturally create connections between workers, such as gravity points connecting the east and west and workspaces that create a sense of unity.
We designed a new office for New Work so that the Schaeffler feel can be felt everywhere through graphics and coloring, leading to a sense of belonging and motivation.
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Designer
Shoju Nagamine