ITOKI TOKYO XORK, the company's head office, is visited by approximately 2,000 people per month.
The "ever-evolving President's Office," which is a favorite of us employees, was renovated in April 2022 and then in September 2023. When we told writer M about it, he immediately came to visit us!
The luxurious and open CEO office!?
I'm writer M. This time I'll be reporting.
ITOKI TOKYO XORK, which opened in the fall of 2018, was designed as an office to embody ITOKI's new way of working. After passing through this cutting-edge office area, which has adopted ABW*1 and prioritizes comfort, you'll find a space that looks like the president's office...!?
"Hello! I'm Tsuchida, a designer."
Hello! (What, no doors or walls?)
"This is the sign that expresses the concept of the president's office."
Is it the living room?
"That's right! It has three meanings: 1) A living room where employees can gather and relax; 2) A place where the president and employees can share what's going on right now; 3) A place where employees can connect with each other in their spare time."
I see, maybe that's why the left side isn't closed!
"That's right. It expresses the open, welcoming atmosphere of the president's office, eliminating the boundaries with the office area."
A president's office with no doors or walls is quite innovative.
"Originally there was a glass partition, which gave it a sense of openness, but when it was renovated in April 2022, the entire thing was removed, with only the part where the sign is now remaining."
I think the visitors will be surprised too.
"That's true, haha. I heard that the president welcomes visitors and even exchanges business cards when he is in the office."
A museum-like shelf! There are books too.
"Yes. We have books selected by the president. We hope that they will be a good opportunity for communication between our employees and visitors."
I want to sit and touch it!
This fluffy sofa makes you want to sit on it!
"That was actually the aim. It was newly installed during the renovation in September this year, to match the president's image of 'a luxurious space where you can relax and talk'. With such a large sofa, the impression changes greatly depending on the upholstery. For example, leather can make it look even more solid and solid, haha. This upholstery is from 'Knoll Textiles', which is available at ITOKI, and the design team considered multiple samples while placing them on the surface and sides of the sofa."
This table has an interesting design and uneven surface. The curves are also very pleasant.
"This product is from ITOKI's "MEET LOUNGE" series, and it is made using coffee grounds, which are gaining attention as a sustainable eco-friendly material.
As for the shape, I wanted to create a soft impression, reminiscent of a living room, and chose it because it would be easy for people to move around without bumping into the corners of a desk. It is made of natural materials, and because it is not uniform, it is also enjoyable to look at and touch."
I see. Do you also work on your computer here?
"Yes. It's at a height that makes it easy to work while sitting on the sofa."
And of course, there's this pendant light! It has such a luxurious feel, like something from a high-end hotel!
"It's great. Since there are different sizes, we checked how it would look from various locations and adjusted the height and balance. We also had to consider the weight capacity of the lights, so we checked with the electrician before deciding on the installation location."
Does the president's office need to look good?
As a designer, are there any other points you would like us to pay attention to?
"It looks great on the monitor during online meetings!"
(And so did the reporting team.)
Wow, it looks great!
"The shelves and pendant lights, as well as the three-dimensional wooden relief on the wall outside the president's office, are reflected in the light, making a nice accent."
▲ Wooden relief on the wall outside the president's office
What a great attention to detail! I'm sure the president was very happy to have such a wonderful office completed.
"After the renewal, I was surprised when the team representative said, 'You're amazing, Tutchy!' In the president's office, requests and opinions are communicated directly, so I felt pressured, but after we were able to get the image in order, I was able to leave it all up to the project team, so it was easy to move forward and I felt it was worthwhile."
The "ever-evolving President's Office" means that it will continue to change in the future. If you had another opportunity, what would you do?
"The concept and interior itself will not change significantly between 2022 and 2023, so next time I would like to take on the challenge of renovating the interior."
Please let me come again when that happens! It was so comfortable that I ended up staying for quite some time. I'll be off now.
"Thank you!"
I've been wondering from the beginning, what is this at the entrance to the president's office?
"It's a competitive quoits game, from about 5 meters away like this. Go for it!"
(ah~)
After the surprise visit
The president's office will be renovated in September 2023 to add a sense of luxury and relaxation to its open space. When the president is not around, employees may use it for department meetings.
Although we were unable to go into detail this time, the space features sound-absorbing curtains that eliminate the problem of sound leaking outside while still maintaining a sense of openness, as well as a stylish, sound-absorbing screen with attached whiteboard. The know-how of the office furniture manufacturer is evident throughout the space.
Finally, please enjoy a photo of the interview in a friendly, "living room" atmosphere!
Thank you, Tsuchida!
- A comprehensive work style strategy that concretely and systematically changes employee behavior so that office workers.
- Itoki Marui Industries, a group company, manufactures official quoits equipment and promotes its popularity. In recent years, it has also developed the "Universal Quoits."
