torafu architects: mediba creative farm shibuya

‘mediba creative farm shibuya’ by torafu architects, tokyo, japan image © daici anoall images courtesy of torafu architects

tokya-based torafu architects have redesigned the ‘mediba creative farm’ office in the industrial city of shibuya. the lively reform includes 2200 square meters of open work space for around 400 employees, common areas, reunion rooms with moveable walls and public cafe, on the 31st floor of the hikarie building. the flexible floor plan contains long rows of tables for open communication between workers, with individualized personal work spaces. different departments are delineated through the use of color in the carpet, rather than with the use of partitions that inhibit  interpersonal relationships.

a micro-landscape of colorfully custom designed oak shelves, tables, chairs and blackboards are peppered throughout the large space, fostering collaboration. built for adaptability, the furnishings are free standing, unfixed to the ground, creating an environment which is always changing. a wooden tram controlled by smart phone technology runs along the full height windows and through the furniture pieces, able to take documents to fellow colleagues. a plentiful number of plant species are scattered around the office adding a touch of natural elements within the surrounding concrete landscape.

tables, chairs, and boards are  placed throughout the space for gathering image © daici ano

long open tables for meetings image © daici ano

gathering space image © daici ano

personal work spaces open to colleagues image © daici ano

wooden tram runs along the perimeter image © daici ano

large open work tables image © yuki ohmori

light-filled room with colored carpets image © daici ano

colors mark different departments image © daici ano

more private work areas image © daici ano

image © yuki ohmori

gathering space image © daici ano

open tables in flexible space image © daici ano

furniture is moved easily to create one large table image © daici ano

wall design influenced by the neighboring buildings’ window patterns image © daici ano

image © daici ano

reception area image © daici ano

many plants placed in the spaces image © daici ano

glass partitions in the meeting rooms image © yuki ohmori

meeting rooms with large movable glass walls image © daici ano

shelving units image © yuki ohmori

floor plan

project info:

principle use: office facility design: ushiospax (lightings) production: tokyu construction co.,ltd.  / takashimaya space create co.,ltd.  / uchida yoko co., ltd. project management: meiho facility works ltd. furniture manufacture: taiji fujimori atelier graphic: takaiyama tram production: hisato ogata furniture: interoffice building site: shibuya tokyo total floor area: 2268m2 design period: 2011.09-2012.04 construction period: 2012.05-2012.08 photo: daici ano / yuki ohmori