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Itoki designs "co-niwa Econifa," a collaborative space utilizing domestically produced timber, at the University of Tokyo.
We will develop a wooden communication space to promote interaction between students and faculty and foster creative learning.
ITOKI CORPORATION (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Koji Minato) is pleased to announce that it has planned, designed, and delivered "co-niwa Econifa," a co-creation space utilizing domestically produced timber, at the University of Tokyo.
This space is a communication area designed as a place where students and faculty can gather regularly to foster interaction and create new value. Within a warm and inviting space utilizing domestically sourced timber, we aim to encourage spontaneous exchanges and discussions that transcend specialized fields and positions, leading to the creation of new learning opportunities and research themes.
"co-niwa Econifa" is a name that combines "together (co)" and "garden (niwa)," a place where people naturally gather. The aim is for it to be a place where students and faculty can naturally gather, and where interaction and co-creation can take place.
This space features furniture and interior design elements that embody the concept of Itoki's domestic wood utilization solution "Econifa," such as the large table "silta" and "vertebra03 WOOD," which utilize domestically produced wood.
Furthermore, this space was realized as part of our efforts to utilize 3,250 m³ of domestically produced timber over a five-year period, based on the "Agreement for Promoting the Use of Timber in Buildings" that our company concluded with the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries in 2025.
Itoki's efforts to use domestic timber
"Econifa," developed by Itoki, is a domestic timber utilization solution that aims to achieve both the circular economy of forest resources and the creation of environments where people can work and learn comfortably, through the creation of furniture and spaces using domestically produced timber.
Since its launch in 2010, Econifa has built expertise and a network that allows it to handle everything from wood selection to design, manufacturing, and delivery, regardless of the tree species, in collaboration with local governments, forestry cooperatives, and material processing and furniture manufacturers. In recent years, in addition to developing furniture from domestically produced wood, Econifa has conducted joint experiments with universities and research institutions to demonstrate the impact of working in wood-filled offices on productivity and psychological and physiological aspects, confirming trends such as stress reduction, psychological comfort, and humidity control.
We believe these insights will lead to improved employee performance and engagement, and will also serve as a foundation for supporting human capital management within companies. ITOKI will continue to contribute to sustainable management and improved well-being through the use of domestically produced materials and the creation of spatial value based on scientific verification experiments.
*For more information about Econifa, please visit: https://www.itoki.jp/special/econifa/index.html
*For an article about the conversation with Professor Tsunetsugu of the Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, University of Tokyo, regarding the impact of wooden spaces on human psychology and creativity, please see here: The Story of Wood | Econifa Just having wood makes a place more pleasant | ITOKI
Related press releases
We have signed an agreement with the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries to promote the use of timber in buildings, aiming to utilize 3,250 m³ of domestically produced timber over the next five years.
https://www.itoki.jp/company/news/2025/1219_wood/
From the vertebra03 series designed by Fumie Shibata, the "vertebra03 WOOD" chair with the warmth of wood and the "hako" portable battery that can be used anywhere will be released sequentially starting December 25th.
https://www.itoki.jp/company/news/2023/2311_wood/
Itoki's Crossa WOOD has won the Forestry Agency Director-General's Award at the "Wood Design Award 2025"!
https://www.itoki.jp/company/news/2025/2511_wooddesign/
Introducing "silta," a sustainable big table showcasing the beauty of natural materials.
https://www.itoki.jp/company/news/2021/2112_silta /
About Itoki's Workplace Business
Founded in 1890, ITOKI Corporation operates under its mission statement, “We Design Tomorrow. We Design Work-Style.”
Leveraging its strength of “Tech × Design based on PEOPLE,” ITOKI supports the creation of a wide range of spaces and environments through its business areas, including the manufacturing and sales of office furniture, office space design, workplace consulting, and office data analysis services, as well as furniture for home offices and learning environments, and equipment for public and logistics facilities.
As hybrid work becomes more widespread and work styles continue to diversify, ITOKI is also expanding initiatives such as space DX solutions that enhance productivity and creativity, as well as consulting services that support optimal office operations through a hands-on, collaborative approach.
In addition, ITOKI actively collaborates with external designers and partner companies to propose new work styles and workplaces for the future.
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Contact information
ITOKI CORPORATION
Corporate Communications Division, Public Relations
TEL:03-6910-3910
- The information posted is current at the time of publication. Please note that the information may differ from the latest information.