A Conversation Between Architect Tetsuo Kobori and Obayashi's Architectural & Engineering Division Tatsuji Kimura / Chiharu Miki / Takuya Asanuma moderator:Makiko Umeno
How do we want to work? What kind of workplaces should designers create? To find clues, we planned a series of discussions between Mr. Tetsuo Kobori, an architect, and members of Obayashi's Architectural & Engineering Division in charge of workplace reform. The first meeting took place in January 2020 and then the COVID-19 pandemic struck. With a rapid shift to online conferencing/telecommuting, what do designers need to think about? We explored this 'new normal' that will give rise to new ideal workplaces through opinions exchanged remotely in June 2020 and face-to-face in October 2020.
A Work Style Designed for a General Contractor
Tatsuji Kimura｜We have retained a very old-fashioned layout at Tokyo Head Office for a very long time. It didn't feel right for doing creative work like that of the Architectural & Engineering Division. So we made it into a space where everyone proactively collects and shares information. Two "zip" corridors run horizontally, with the work spaces and open spaces that people can use freely on either side. Hubs are placed along the atrium at the center, like a review corner, where people easily gather. We think of the corridors as zippers that open to expose what's going on in the open spaces and hubs, and closes to bring it all together.
Takuya Asanuma｜The Tohoku Branch's Architectural & Engineering Division has approx. 30 employees. We first held a workshop to boost everyone's awareness. We chose materials based on the biophilic design concept, which incorporates natural elements.This allowed us to create a rich feel, even within the confined space.
Tetsuo Kobori｜Speaking of biophilic design, when decorating an office with plants, if you display the name of the employee who cares for it, the plant will serve as a barometer of the person's energy level. It's because plants are better cared for when people are doing well (laughs).
