Garden Group Headquarters | 2024

Location: Urawa, Saitama, Japan
Architects: Nobuaki Miyashita and Yukari Hirose, MR STUDIO Co.,Ltd. and Takashi Harada, Tanaka Kenso Inc.
General Contractor: Tanaka Kenso Inc.
Client: Garden Group
Photographers: Nobuaki Miyashita, MR STUDIO Co., Ltd.

The client, Garden Group, is a leading company in Japan specializing in the management of leisure and amusement facilities. As part of their commitment to creating sustainable and inspiring environments, the interior design of their newly constructed headquarters office embodies two core themes aligned with their identity and values.

The first theme is symbiosis with greenery, inspired by the company’s name, “Garden.” This principle is reflected in every aspect of the design, starting with the entrance hall, which features a striking full-height green wall. This lush installation sets the tone for the interior and reinforces the company’s dedication to environmental sustainability and well-being. Greenery extends beyond public spaces into the workspace, creating an environment that fosters health, productivity, and creativity. By integrating greenery throughout the office, the design creates a functional yet inspiring setting that enables a stronger connection to nature. The headquarters is located in the Urawa Garden Building, a structure thoughtfully set back from road boundaries on three sides, creating serene garden spaces that serve as a natural buffer against urban activity. These gardens are seamlessly integrated into the design through green walls and landscaped pathways, acting as visual and physical connectors between the exterior and interior. The terraces, conceived as verdant garden spaces, extend the dialogue between architecture and nature, offering a tranquil environment fostering relaxation and creativity. By emphasizing greenery as a central design element, the project underscores its commitment to sustainability and the restorative power of nature.

The second theme is coexistence with art, which elevates the office into a dynamic cultural hub. The headquarters showcases an impressive collection of artworks by globally renowned artists, including Lee Ufan and Jim Dine. These masterpieces are strategically placed throughout the interior, creating a museum-like atmosphere that inspires employees and visitors alike. Sculptures, paintings, and installations form a dialogue with the surrounding greenery, enhancing the spatial experience and stimulating new perspectives. This integration of art reflects the company's “Vision Cycle” philosophy, emphasizing continuous innovation and the creation of lasting value through a harmonious blend of functionality, beauty, and inspiration.

Sustainability is at the heart of this project, not only through the extensive use of greenery but also in its approach to material selection and energy efficiency. The green walls are designed with a highly efficient irrigation system that minimizes water consumption, while the building incorporates energy-saving technologies that reduce its environmental footprint. Additionally, the use of natural light throughout the interior reduces dependency on artificial lighting, further promoting a sustainable work environment.

By extending the concept of greenery into workspaces and blending it with art, this project creates an inspiring and harmonious office environment that goes beyond aesthetics. It serves as a testament to Garden Group’s commitment to integrating sustainability and artistic expression into everyday life. This headquarters harmonizes with nature and celebrates art, providing employees and visitors a space fostering creativity and well-being while setting a benchmark for environmentally and culturally responsive design.