process5 creates takagi industrial head office as a colorful bento box

process5 creates takagi industrial head office as a colorful bento box
photo © stirling elmendorf photography
all images courtesy of process5

process5 was involved in a relocation and renovation project of takagi industrial co, a company located in sakai city that specializes in the planning and production of commercial-use food containers. the headquarters includes one underground floor and two above ground floors, which were formerly used as an independent distribution warehouse. the site provides views towards a river flowing in the front and is lined by roadways on two sides. making the best use of this location, the building aims to create an independent office function, away from the present work environment in another area, in which it is part of the distribution warehouse and production facility, a typical structure in the manufacturing industry. the requirement for the new head office is that it may represent the corporate image, providing an environment to welcome guests and a pleasant environment for the staff.

elevation
photo © stirling elmendorf photography

thus, to reflect the feeling of expectation and elation that is experienced when opening a bento container (similar to the ones produced by the company), the architects have decided to open up the two external walls of the construction towards the outside. this operation results in the presentation of the interior as a more beautiful and a more attractive facility. the façades are given life through an extended roof plate that diffuses the inside light and extensive glazing that makes room for the corner occupied by the recessed entrance.

looking across the lounge to the staircase
photo © stirling elmendorf photography

as one passes through the doorway, a spiral staircase and reception counter are revealed. during the daytime, this multi-functional space is intended be used as a meeting area with clients. simultaneously, it can be utilized as a communal foyer to hold bento cooking classes exhibiting in-house products. when the sun sets, the room can transform into a relaxation lounge for the staff near the end of the busy workday. in terms of the office, the personal desks, computers, and necessary appliances are situated towards the back of the design.

meeting area
photo © stirling elmendorf photography

the second floor houses a conference hall which can be divided through the maneuvering of a movable partition. not only can the morning agenda and small negotiations can be held here, but large-scale occasions can also take place in which staff from sales offices nationwide gather together several times a year. in the rest of the space, the entire group can come together around the table to enjoy their lunches, and from the wide opening, they can enjoy seasonal delights such as cherry blossoms in the spring, and fresh green and fireworks in the summer.

communal and individual workspaces
photo © stirling elmendorf photography

‘depending on the work situation and content, we’ve created an atmosphere so that the staff working here can change from one style to another, fostering an environment conducive to communication. our aim is to create a new head office in which the vivacious work atmosphere of the staff can be conveyed to the local community, as the colorful bento items decorate the box lunch planned and produced by takagi industrial. through this project, new relationships will be cultivated, making takagi industrial a company which expresses to people the appealing nature of food culture.’ – process5

view of the conference room
photo © stirling elmendorf photography

previous warehouse

project info:

location: 390-3 imai, mihara-ku, mihara, sakai-city, osaka, japan
program: interior and exterior office design
project area: 590.oom²
designer: ikuma yoshizawa, noriaki takaeda, taichi hujiwara
contractor: act co. ltd.
lighting design: koizumi co. ltd.
photographer: stirling elmendorf photography

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.