
Autodesk Offices – Tokyo
van der Architects transformed an existing office space in Tokyo for Autodesk by incorporating Japanese aesthetics, kintsugi and kumiko elements, and a warmer color palette, enhancing the environment while respecting its history.
Designing office interiors can be categorized into three types of projects:
1. The first type occurs when a client outgrows their current space and wishes to move to a new location, allowing for a fresh design.
2. The second type involves clients who feel their existing workspace needs a programmatic change and intend to revitalize certain areas.
3. The third type is when a client takes over an already occupied space from another company.The first type of project is typically the easiest, as it allows for a clean slate within the interior envelope of the building. The second type can become more complex, as it requires reorganization of employees and programmatic elements during construction. The third type, where the client assumes an existing space, poses the greatest challenge. It requires a flexible design to integrate new needs into a space that is largely already complete. The challenge here extends beyond design to handle construction budgets, as the main reason for taking over an existing space is to minimize changes.
In this particular project, the client wanted to incorporate a Japanese aesthetic into an already well-structured space. However, the existing color palette was dull and monotonous. Additionally, there was a request to incorporate elements of corporate branding and identity features.
While global corporations often aim to be culturally sensitive in their local offices, one common pitfall is that the cultural aspect may only serve as a superficial visual reference. To address this, we proposed two conceptual ideas: kintsugi, which celebrates the beauty of imperfection, and kumiko as a visual element. Kintsugi, for instance, uses gold to repair broken pottery, illustrating that even the restoration of damaged or old objects can enhance their beauty.
Our goal was to demonstrate that we were not merely erasing the history of the previous office but rather complementing the existing space with a warmer color palette and carefully selected materials. We aimed to show how the new environment could acquire a distinct character through these changes.
We installed the kumiko pattern throughout the office, using it as a backdrop in a new multipurpose room and as a privacy film in the internal meeting rooms and phone booths. In the reception area, we created a large back-lit metal panel cut in a kumiko pattern. LED strip lights were added to create various seasonal scenes featuring the kumiko design.
Design: van der Architects
Contractor: Mori
Photography: Vincent Hecht