takt project’s satellite lab in japan coexists with the ‘unknown outside’ to awaken imagination

takt project builds satellite lab in sendai 

takt project has built ‘tohoku lab’ as a satellite office to accompany their headquarters in tokyo, japan. the newly unveiled studio is shaped as an experimentation space for approaching the unknown by focusing on making and thinking, rather than conventional meetings and back-office work. drawing from childhood memories and imagination, the project incorporates a wide range of patterns, materials, and textures, while coexisting with the ‘unknown outside’ — the harsh nature of the local surroundings.

all images courtesy of takt project

a stain on the ceiling 

this studio is quite different from typical offices — it is a diverse space full of opportunities, inviting individuals to step out of their ordinary routines, explore new ideas, and come closer to the unknown. to support this concept, takt project has formed a minimalist yet fresh space using patterns and stains of wood grain as forms that remind of abstract faces and clouds.  

specifically, the architects decided to arrange infinitely ‘elementary’ objects in a space like ‘a stain on the ceiling’. all elements are seemingly plain, but have an actual, solid purpose, serving as tables, shelves, and chairs. this interesting arrangement creates a state that sways right on on the boundary line of reason and existence. this idea is exactly what sparks innovation and imagination within the individuals, by encouraging them to observe their surroundings and explore their form and use. ‘pursuing only a logical purpose may sometimes deprive a person of creativity.’ the architects explain. ‘the role of design is not just to ‘give’ users efficiency and ease of use. it should also ‘draw out’ human creativity’ they add. 

the ‘unknown outside’ 

life in sendai, tohoku, is based on coexistence with the harsh surrounding nature that cannot be managed by human intentions. translating this concept into spatial design, takt project has formed a studio where conventional objects and natural elements blend together in harmony. as a result, in ‘tohoku lab’, planned purpose and the unknown outside exist side-by-side. ‘in this space, I would like to spend time thinking not only with independent research projects but also with the people who share the projects, and create hypotheses that will cultivate the future.’ principal architect satoshi yoshiizumi shares. 

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project info: 

name: tohoku lab
architects: takt project

location: sendai, tohoku, japan