Revolutionizing Office Spaces: Ryoji Iedokoro's Secret & Healing Water Table

Creating Comfortable Workspaces Inspired by Nature

Ryoji Iedokoro's design philosophy is rooted in the belief that even as business manners and working styles evolve, the conditions for a comfortable living and working environment remain constant. As humans have always coexisted with nature, the comfort derived from natural environments is considered more enduring than any working style. This belief led to the creation of an office space that mirrors the outdoors, providing a sense of comfort and tranquility often associated with natural settings.

The Secret & Healing Water Table is a unique office design that brings the outdoor environment indoors. The walls are made from exterior building materials and adorned with plants, creating an indoor space that feels like the outdoors. The ceiling features exposed piping and lighting rails, resembling vines, while the floor is finished like a deck. The pendant lights evoke the image of nuts, and the large, irregularly shaped table is reminiscent of a thin basin, further enhancing the outdoor feel.

The table, a central feature of the design, is crafted from three layers of wood panels cut by laser in a houndstooth check pattern. The steel legs are strategically positioned to ensure balance, and the table is assembled on-site and painted with special paint. The paintwork on the table is a one-time process, requiring meticulous planning and execution to achieve the desired color and image. The result is a unique table that resembles a water surface, adding to the overall outdoor ambiance of the office space.

This innovative design was realized after extensive research, which suggested that such a work environment could boost employee motivation and performance, fostering competition and attracting competent human resources. The design also underscores the significant contribution of design power to creating a work environment conducive to consistent high-level performance.

The Secret & Healing Water Table has been recognized for its innovative approach to office design, winning the Silver A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award in 2017. This prestigious award is given to designs that demonstrate outstanding expertise, creativity, and innovation, and that evoke positive feelings, amazement, and wonder. Ryoji Iedokoro's design certainly fits this description, offering a fresh perspective on office spaces and challenging conventional design norms.