World Service Head Office

An Architectural Marvel Blending Form and Function

This headquarters plan belongs to a company specializing in manufacturing and selling weddings and tablecloths. By incorporating the shape of a table and the softness of cloth into the building's design and materials, Matsuo has created a structure that is both visually striking and conceptually profound. The large circular form, seemingly suspended in mid-air, symbolizes the company's global reach and its potential for expansion in the future.

To bring the softness of cloth to life, a large corrugated iron plate is used for the circular section of the building. This design choice not only mimics the texture of fabric but also adds a gentle and enveloping quality to the overall structure.

The World Service Head Office occupies a site area of 6408.97 square meters, with a total floor space of 2138.77 square meters. The building is constructed using a steel frame, providing stability and flexibility for future adaptations. The two-story structure offers ample space for office operations, while also featuring a multipurpose hall that can be opened up to the outside when needed. This seamless connection between the interior and exterior allows for the expansion of space and diverse usage possibilities.

Completed in February 2020, the World Service Head Office is located in Osaka, Japan. The design project posed several challenges, including the structural support required for the large overhanging circular section and the need to create a shape that harmonizes with the natural and local environment while evoking a sense of the future.

Matsuo's vision for the World Service Head Office goes beyond mere functionality. By overlaying the future of marriage with the future imagined by the building's appearance and shape, the design aims to evoke emotions and test the boundaries of architectural experiences. The building welcomes numerous visitors related to the wedding industry, offering them a unique and thought-provoking space.

The World Service Head Office has received recognition for its outstanding design. In 2020, it was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Architecture, Building, and Structure Design category. This prestigious accolade is bestowed upon designs that demonstrate exceptional creativity, resourcefulness, and technical skill, contributing to improvements in quality of life and making the world a better place.

Michihiro Matsuo, the mastermind behind this architectural marvel, is credited as the designer of the World Service Head Office. Image credits go to Michihiro Matsuo: METAPH ARCHITECT ASSOCIATES, and the intellectual property rights for this design are protected by copyrights.