snøhetta inserts massive furniture inside digital garage co-working space in tokyo

PANGAEA DIGITAL GARAGE CO-WORKING SPACE BY SNØHETTA

snøhetta has completed the design of the digital garage — a new co-working space in tokyo. located in shibuya, the space aims to create a sanctuary that floats ten floors above one of japan’s busiest neighborhoods.

for tokyo’s digital garage, snøhetta took the pangaea as a point of reference and also as the name of this specific location. the boutique office for digital nomads ‘commemorates a time and a place where geographical, political, and national constructs were not an obstacle.’

images by nacasa & partners

THE HEART OF THE CO-WORKING SPACE IS A MASSIVE CEDAR WOOD PIECE OF FURNITURE

the design of the office space created by the architects has been centered around a piece of furniture that is inspired by a brush stroke. built as a metaphor for both tactility and fluidity, this piece of furniture encompasses all core functions of a co-working space. from the reception, to the amphitheater, phone booths, meeting spaces and individual workspaces, the furniture extends throughout the space creating both privacy and interaction between users.

the massive piece of furniture has been carved from japanese cedar wood which leaves a spicy-resinous natural scent in the venue. the cabinets are in linoleum and the walls have been dressed in woolen textile fronts with acoustic backing assembled as a pixelated portrayal of mount fuji. in fact, on a clear day, guests can see the iconic mountain on the horizon from inside the building.

the piece of furniture encompasses all core functions of a co-working space

534 INDIVIDUAL LIGHT BULBS LIGHT UP THE SPACE

the overall dark setting is contrasted by a sky dome of lights featuring 534 individual light bulbs assembled to create curved lines across the ceiling. the position of the lights vary in height depending on the purpose of the area: the ceiling is perceived as higher where people tend to congregate; and lower where the more focused workspaces are located. in addition to the bulbs, concealed lighting is set up throughout the venue.

built in cedar wood, the space is filled with a nature odor

overall, shibuya’s digital garage is a tactile and social space for digital nomads that brings together people across borders and cultures together in a workspace that unites the digital and physical world.

534 suspended lights bulbs illuminate the space