Office in the Breeze / Furumori Koichi architectural design studio+Daiju Kuwahara

Creative studio Party / Space / Design (P/S/D) has established its fourth working space in Thailand, transforming an initial property into a cohesive, light-filled 'open box' concept. The original layout, comprising three divided rooms across two stories, was reconfigured to create a single, expansive area. A significant alteration involved the entrance, which was initially thick and small. The team re-imagined this entry point as a transparent, open wall framed in white metal, allowing clear visibility from both interior and exterior perspectives and referencing the primary color scheme of the new office. This design choice aims to create an inviting and accessible entryway. The working station within the new hub was designed to seamlessly connect with an integrated coffee shop area. This fluid connection is achieved through an open and airy design, featuring a long communal table and a distinctive modular shelving system. Both the table and the shelving units are designed with adaptability in mind, allowing users to customize them according to their needs. The modular components of the shelving system are arranged in a specific, yet seemingly random, design ratio, contributing to the dynamic aesthetic of the space. The café zone serves as a central common area, strategically positioned to maximize the influx of natural light. To enhance this, the upper level of the original structure was removed, resulting in a five-meter-high ceiling. This elevated ceiling, along with the existing structural elements and wall-mounted wooden shelves, is painted entirely in white, further amplifying the sense of openness and brightness. Another notable feature of the café area is the combination of a high counter and a white brick-tiled wall, which harmoniously complements the wooden floor laid in a fishbone pattern with integrated hexagon tiles. This design aims to create a welcoming atmosphere for clients and visitors, with circular lamps suspended from the ceiling contributing to an engaging and captivating ambiance, described as a cluster of stars. The overall design emphasizes transparency, fluidity, and natural light, converting a previously segmented space into a contemporary co-working environment. The careful selection of materials, such as white metal for the entrance frame, white paint for the ceilings and structures, and wooden elements for shelving and flooring, contributes to a cohesive and modern aesthetic. The integration of a coffee shop within the workspace fosters a relaxed yet productive environment, encouraging interaction and collaboration among occupants. #CoWorkingSpace #OfficeDesign #InteriorArchitecture #OpenPlanOffice #ModularFurniture #NaturalLight #CommercialDesign #ThailandDesign #ModernWorkspace

Frontoffice, an architectural firm, has developed the 'm house' in Tokyo, Japan, a three-story structure that innovatively integrates a dance studio, a residential living area, and a yoga space. This project aims to rekindle the experimental and creative architectural spirit prevalent in Tokyo during the 1960s, a period marked by significant urban expansion and architectural innovation. The design for the 'm house' adopts a primitive, almost cartoonish aesthetic, reflecting the unique and mysterious dolls designed and sold by the clients, who have a global following. This approach aligns with Frontoffice's goal of maximizing space and volume within Tokyo's typically constrained urban sites, adhering to local building regulations to create a highly functional and compact structure. The building's layout is characterized by its simplicity: three distinct single rooms stacked vertically. The ground floor accommodates the dance studio, which is strategically positioned to engage with its urban surroundings. A reflective aluminum screen buffers the studio from the street, while continuous windows and mirrors on this level create an open atmosphere, allowing dancers to feel connected to the city rather than isolated. This floor is partially submerged within the sloping site, adding to its unique integration with the terrain. Access to the residential space on the second floor is provided by steel stairs featuring an exaggerated landing that functions as a porch. Additionally, an interior staircase, concealed behind a mirrored door, offers an alternative route to this level. The design thoughtfully incorporates windows to introduce depth and natural light into the compact living areas. The architects deliberately avoided framing specific views, acknowledging the transient nature of Tokyo's urban landscape where scenes are constantly shifting. Instead, the focus is on creating an un-mediated experience of the city through the interplay of interior spaces, gardens, and decks. The project serves as an acknowledgment of a new era of significant change within Tokyo, signaling a renewed commitment to direct engagement with the urban environment through architectural experimentation. Frontoffice’s 'm house' showcases a bold interpretation of mixed-use urban development, optimizing a small footprint to accommodate diverse functions while contributing to the dynamic architectural narrative of Tokyo. The project details confirm that 'm house' was designed by Frontoffice, with a project team including Will Galloway, Koen Klinkers, Christopher Sjoberg, and Frank La Riviere. Structural design was provided by Tatsumi Terado Structural. The project was submitted through designboom’s ‘DIY submissions’ feature, highlighting its recognition within the architectural community. The design reflects a contemporary response to the challenges of urban density, demonstrating how architectural creativity can transform limited spaces into versatile and inspiring environments. By blending commercial, residential, and recreational functions within a single, cohesive structure, the 'm house' stands as a testament to innovative urban living and design in one of the world's most densely populated cities. #TokyoArchitecture #MixedUseBuilding #DanceStudio #YogaSpace #UrbanDesign #CompactLiving #JapaneseArchitecture #FrontofficeArchitects #InnovativeDesign

NIKKEN SEKKEI has undertaken the renovation of the ARAKAWA building, an office tower situated on a prominent corner plot within Nishi-Shinbashi, Tokyo’s historical business district. The architectural firm's primary objective was to transform the building into an appealing component of the city's future urban landscape, moving away from conventional, characterless cityscapes that often result from structures with facades that largely disconnect upper levels from their surroundings. The renovation project distinguishes itself through its dynamic facade, which innovatively integrates the emergency stairs as a central design element. Unlike many buildings where the connection to the city is limited to the ground floor, primarily for commercial facilities, the ARAKAWA building extends its engagement with the urban environment across all its levels. This is achieved by wrapping the entire structure with emergency stairs, which serve both as essential functional components and as a series of 'engawa'-like spaces, fostering a unique interaction between the building and its exterior. A key benefit of this unusual design is its ability to allow natural light to penetrate the narrow streets surrounding the tower. This strategic illumination not only enhances the urban environment but also facilitated the addition of another story to the building, thereby maximizing its internal floor space. By positioning the circulation routes, specifically the emergency stairs, on the exterior of the building, the interior spaces have been liberated. This design choice results in more open and user-friendly internal layouts, which can be adapted for various purposes. Comprising a total of nine stories, the building is organized functionally from bottom to top. The ground and first levels are dedicated to commercial and retail outlets, providing direct interaction with the street level. The subsequent three stories are designated as rental office spaces, offering flexible working environments. Floors six through eight house the main offices for the client, Araun Co Ltd., consolidating their operations within the renovated structure. The uppermost level is uniquely designed as a residence for the company’s owner, blending corporate and residential functions within a single building. NIKKEN SEKKEI views this renovation as a significant precedent for other buildings in Tokyo that are approaching the end of their commercial lifespan. The architects believe that if each building were to prioritize its relationship with its immediate surroundings and the broader urban context, it could contribute to the creation of a more attractive and vibrant city. This project exemplifies a forward-thinking approach to urban renewal, demonstrating how functional elements can be creatively repurposed to enhance both aesthetic appeal and urban integration, ultimately fostering a more engaging and lively cityscape. #NIKKENSEKKEI #ARAKAWA #OfficeBuilding #TokyoArchitecture #FacadeDesign #EmergencyStairs #UrbanRenewal #ArchitecturalInnovation #MixedUseBuilding

This article explores fourteen unique office spaces in Birmingham, Alabama, often referred to as the 'Magic City,' that are designed to inspire creativity and make the work environment enjoyable. The featured offices showcase diverse architectural and interior design approaches, ranging from adaptive reuse projects that preserve historical elements to modern spaces emphasizing collaboration and employee well-being. The first office, CCR Architecture & Interiors, is a live/work space housed in a tilt-up concrete and steel warehouse. The first floor serves as the firm's office, while the second floor is the residence of the architect couple. The design highlights large windows and outdoor spaces, with views of historical sites like Sloss Furnaces, blending industrial heritage with modern design. The principal architects emphasize the inspirational setting derived from Birmingham's historical industrial landscape and its connectivity to the city's vibrant areas. Big Communications, an agency known for its creative output, features visually striking interiors and a pet-friendly policy. The office design aims to foster an atmosphere where individuals feel free to express themselves and create. The interiors incorporate pops of color, advertising art, and vintage items, softening a sleek black-and-white foundation, reflecting the creative minds within the company. Nike's office and showroom in Birmingham are designed for wholesale customers, major retailers of sporting goods. The space, designed by Williams Blackstock Architects, uses local materials like Alabama marble and blue mill scale steel. The transition from rustic to polished materials symbolizes the development of an athlete. Notable features include a sleek reception desk, a hallway adorned with inspiring quotes and images of legendary athletes, a flexible showroom with a movable divider wall for product reveals, and a breakroom table crafted from recycled gym flooring and bleachers. Studio GoodLight, an award-winning space for photographer Liesa Cole and producer Stan Bedingfield, was designed by CCR Architecture & Interiors. The studio is characterized by abundant natural light, quirky and playful elements, and historical features such as original livery walls and massive bridge girders. The design integrates upcycled décor and offers a range of amenities for creative productions, including a cyclorama cove wall, full-service kitchen, and various production services. Kinetic's office on Morris Avenue stands out with its red caboose and graffiti mural, signifying an unconventional corporate space. The interior features a two-story custom cube workspace and train boxcar-style cubicles, alongside collaborative areas, a futuristic 'think tank,' and an extensive game room with retro arcade games and a state-of-the-art e-basketball hoop. The building also includes an exercise room and a rooftop playground with a putting green and lounge area, embodying a 'cowboys vs. aliens' design concept that merges history with technology. Lewis Communications occupies a historic five-story building, renovated with a focus on preserving its mid-century modern aesthetic. The design by Williams Blackstock Architects includes a monumental stair, a two-story lobby for presentations, and expansive glass walls that maximize natural light in open-office and collaborative spaces. The rooftop features a glass and steel pavilion, planters, a fire pit, and a grill, offering a relaxing environment with city views. P&S Transportation transformed a motorcycle shop into its corporate office, highlighting original brickwork and wooden ceilings. The design by Hatcher Schuster Interiors and CMH Architects uses bright colors and industrial finishes, creating an open, collaborative environment. Life-size superhero and Marvel characters from the owner’s art collection are integrated throughout the space, providing a whimsical touch to the office. Railroad Square showcases the resurrection of a dilapidated building by CCR Architecture & Interiors, preserving its historical essence. The project involved creatively reusing existing materials and features, such as a masonry arch constructed without additional steel. The space blends warm brick, distressed wood, and vintage tile with modern architectural lines, converting historical areas into light-filled modern offices for firms like Shannon Waltchack and Scout Branding. Stewart Perry’s office on a 10-acre site emphasizes green and sustainable construction, designed by Blackmon Rogers Architects. The office, which achieved Silver LEED certification, features a pond with an aeration system, a main conference room with operable casement windows for natural ventilation, and a wraparound porch. The site also includes a barn, garden, and bee colony, offering a serene, lakeside retreat-like atmosphere. Corporate Realty Associates at Bakers Row, located in a converted Merita Bakery, was designed by KPS Group. The minimalist interior allows the building's original architecture, including high ceilings, exposed ductwork, and sawtooth skylights, to be the focal point. Transparent architectural walls create an illusion of open space, promoting flexibility and collaboration. The break room seamlessly connects to a conference room via sliding glass doors, and unique circular lighting adds a distinctive touch. The Stockyard project, designed by CCR Architecture & Interiors, explores primitive and raw urban reclaimed construction for premium office spaces. It features repurposed shipping containers used as offices for Shannon Waltchack and Scout Branding. A 40-foot-tall vertical shipping container serves as the entrance to conference rooms, capped by a skylight, creating a unique visual effect. Reclaimed barn siding and lumber milled on-site from city trees underscore the project’s commitment to sustainability. Business Interiors, housed in a converted car shop and showroom, was designed by Mike Gibson of Golden + Appleseed. The challenging project involved building from the ceiling down due to the unique construction materials. The result is a modern-industrial space with curved walkways, large glass panels for natural light, inviting common areas, and creative nooks, all contributing to an open and collaborative atmosphere, complemented by exposed brick, a wall of greenery, and modern art. High Cotton’s office, renovated by Williams Blackstock Architects, transformed a windowless warehouse into an open, transparent space. New openings in concrete walls and large expanses of interior glass flood the space with natural light. The interior is punctuated with the company’s bold blue logo color, and a 'Town Hall' gathering space connects office and production staff. Glass box war rooms provide private conference areas without sacrificing daylight. Berkadia’s office, designed by Hatcher Schuster Interiors and CMH Architects, offers a modern aesthetic with glass walls, stained concrete floors, and contemporary lighting. The space incorporates rustic elements like reclaimed wood walls and vintage stadium seats, fostering a laid-back environment. A ping-pong table in the conference room encourages creative interaction and a fun workplace culture. The design maximizes a small space by removing walls and ceilings to create an open feel, blending contemporary and reclaimed elements. #OfficeDesign #InteriorDesign #CommercialArchitecture #AdaptiveReuse #CreativeWorkspaces #BirminghamAlabama #SustainableDesign #WorkplaceCulture #ModernOffice

DOG, a Tokyo-based architecture studio, has completed the '8.5 House' in Ninomiya, Japan. This atelier-style dwelling is designed for a painter and his family, consisting of three generations including the painter, his wife, child, and mother. The house is situated along Ninomiya’s Tokaido road, a historically significant route for the great Japanese ukiyo-e artist Hiroshige, which influenced the project's thematic approach, aiming for the owner to 'spin the fifty-three stations of the Tokaido' within his new atelier. The total floor area of the residence is 87.23 sqm. A defining characteristic of the 8.5 House is its steep sloping roof, which also functions as a wall on the northern side. This architectural element provides a distinct sculptural form that stands out in the urban landscape and serves as a source of artistic inspiration for the painter. Inside, the design incorporates a prominent diagonal exhibition wall. This wall plays a crucial role in the house's functionality and aesthetic, separating the living areas from the artist's atelier. Its diagonal orientation allows the painter to display his artwork at its maximum possible length, enhancing the visual impact of the exhibited pieces. The integration of the steep sloping roof and the diagonal exhibition wall creates a dynamic interior space characterized by alternating wide/narrow and high/low dimensions. This intentional play on scale results in a varied and engaging spatial experience throughout the residence. A tall, glass entrance facing the city provides passersby with a view into the atelier, fostering a connection between the artist's private creative space and the public realm, and allowing the painter to exhibit his work to the community. The project was led by Ryutaro Saito and Shun Ide from DOG, with structural engineering by Yasuhiro Kaneda of Yasuhirokaneda Structure, and construction handled by Shinshin Construction Co., Ltd. The design balances the practical needs of a multi-generational family home with the unique requirements of an artist's studio, all while drawing inspiration from the rich cultural history of its location. The sculptural form and innovative internal layout reflect a thoughtful approach to residential architecture, emphasizing both functionality and artistic expression. #JapaneseArchitecture #ResidentialDesign #AtelierHouse #SlopingRoof #DiagonalWall #MultiGenerationalHome #ArchitecturalInnovation #ArtistStudio #SpatialDynamics