The Wantedly Office, designed for Wantedly Inc., a Tokyo-based social recruiting service that collaborates with Facebook, is more than just a workplace. It is a space that fosters interaction and conversation among its employees. The highlight of the design is a large informal space that doubles as an entrance, making the best use of the grove of trees surrounding the neighborhood. This open space is not only a welcoming area for guests but also serves as a venue for events and workshops.
The centerpiece of the office is a set of huge stairs installed in the middle of the space. These stairs not only provide seating during events but also encourage employees to interact with one another, fostering a sense of community and collaboration. The design seamlessly integrates nature and technology, creating an environment that reflects the innovative spirit of the company.
The design elements of the Wantedly Office are carefully curated to create a unique and inspiring atmosphere. The entrance features a marque light and a marble mosaic tile floor, with the letter "W" taking the first letter of the company's name. The meeting room showcases a parquet floor inspired by the floor pattern of the Louvre museum, while the glass partition pays homage to the iconic Mondrian glass, inspired by the Dutch painter Piet Mondrian.
Spanning over 1091 square meters, the Wantedly Office is a testament to the creativity and vision of its designers, Taiju Yamashita and Saeko Takahashi, along with the assistance of Ryosuke Nakamura. The office was completed between March and June 2015 in Shiroganedai, Tokyo.
One of the challenges faced during the design process was to avoid falling into interior design clichés. The designers aimed to strike a delicate balance between modern and vintage styles, resulting in an office space that perfectly suits the client's needs. The end result is an office that not only promotes productivity but also encourages employees to truly enjoy their work and workspace.
The Wantedly Office has received recognition for its outstanding design. It was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design category in 2016. This prestigious award is bestowed upon designs that exhibit creativity, resourcefulness, and a commitment to improving the quality of life.
With its innovative design and focus on fostering collaboration and culture, the Wantedly Office stands as a testament to the power of thoughtful and inspiring workspace design.
Project Designers: Taiju Yamashita
Image Credits: Hiroshi Endo
Project Team Members: Taiju Yamashita, Saeko Takahashi, and Ryosuke Nakamura
Project Name: Wantedly
Project Client: Taiju Yamashita