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Starting from Simplicity

Starting from Simplicity

DESIGN

To retain the essence of the space, the original structure was not modified. There are not many ornate decorations. The brick walls are bare, and the rough concrete and natural wood grain evoke a sense of unconstrained, allowing people to be free spirits. In the open public area, the display cabinets demarcate circulation pathways, clearly delineating areas for motion and stillness. Mika Ninagawa co-branded dolls adorn the space, while Yoshitomo Nara paintings bring warmth to the otherwise austere scene. Glass partitions blur the line between interior and exterior, giving the space an open, yet calm, feel.

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The office space is clearly partitioned into different functional areas, with the spatial layout resembling the Chinese character '回’—a small square inside a larger square—that allows for fluid and effective circulation. The original red brick walls have been retained to add a splash of bright color to the austere space and serve as a visual focal point. Natural textures and grains were used to create a quiet, spare, ambience. The bookcases in the rear turn the book collection into background decoration, while the functional bar counter serves as a place where designers can gather to discuss ideas and seek inspiration.

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The predominant black, white, and grey tones of the conference room elicit rational and logical emotions, while the whimsical paintings and rocking horses embody the passionate and imaginative ideas of the designers. The expansive glass opens up the field of view of the originally closed-off space and brings in the city, creating a meeting point between the urban and office spaces, and a link with the main designer. The beauty of life is revealed through the sharing of creative energies accumulated in life and work that open up even more possibilities for creativity.

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Film

Starting with an initial concept, the designers kept a constant eye out for the possibilities of the space, incorporating variations in texture and introducing light and shadow to enrich the spatial imagery and reflect the designers’ feel for rational design and how they define themselves.

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