Toshin Takarazuka: A Post-Pandemic Office Design

Creating a Safe and Functional Space for Matsuo Gakuin Preparatory School

Inspired by the challenges posed by the global pandemic, designer Tetsuya Matsumoto has created a unique office space that prioritizes safety without compromising on aesthetics. The Toshin Takarazuka design combines functionality and innovation to provide a post-pandemic solution for the school's reception and meeting room.

Matsuo Gakuin preparatory school needed a new office space that would not only serve as a reception area but also provide a safe environment for staff and visitors amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The Toshin Takarazuka design addresses these concerns by incorporating a series of broken lightning-shaped boards that run along the office, separating it into several entities through alternating glass shields. This design not only protects against droplets but also allows for air and document circulation, ensuring uninterrupted functionality.

The Toshin Takarazuka design stands out due to its unique properties and strengths. The broken lightning-shaped boards create separate subspaces within the office, dividing it into a central guest area and a surrounding staff area. The undulating shape of the counter and its reflection on the mirror and glass surfaces give the illusion of a larger space. The design features a reception counter, supplemented by a high counter, and two consultation tables. The last consultation table is equipped with a video projection film for online meetings, providing flexibility in the new era of remote work.

When it comes to the realization of the design, both the counter board and its duplicate hanging from the ceiling were made as furniture pieces, assembled on-site. The boards were finished in white veneer, with black veneer bases. The top of the counter board was specially finished with antiviral melamine veneer. The glass sheets were sandwiched between the boards, secured with transparent caulking, and strategically cut with slits to allow for proper ventilation.

The Toshin Takarazuka design spans a gross built area of 69 square meters, with dimensions of W12740mm x D6885mm x H2490. The project commenced in December 2020, with construction starting in January 2021 and concluding in February 2021. The design is located in Takarazuka, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan.

Tetsuya Matsumoto, along with Motoaki Takeuchi and Farid Ziani, formed the design team responsible for bringing the Toshin Takarazuka concept to life. The project required extensive research to ensure the safety of users in a guest receiving office space during a global pandemic. The team aimed to strike a balance between safety and aesthetics, selecting materials and creating an atmosphere that prevents depression or paranoia while remaining operational and timeless beyond the pandemic.

The Toshin Takarazuka design overcame challenges such as a short design period and a limited budget. Despite these constraints, the concept was successfully readjusted to fit the space and program of the new location. The result is a visually striking and functional office space that meets the unique needs of Matsuo Gakuin preparatory school.

The Toshin Takarazuka design has been recognized for its excellence and creativity, receiving the Bronze A' Design Award in the Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design category in 2022. This prestigious award acknowledges designs that demonstrate ingenuity, technical skill, and a commitment to improving quality of life through art, science, design, and technology.

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Toshin Takarazuka: A Post-Pandemic Office Design

Creating a Safe and Functional Space for Matsuo Gakuin Preparatory School

Project Details and Credits