White and Steel: A Minimalistic Design for Toshin Satellite Preparatory School

Efficiency and Contrast in a School Office

It is an undeniable fact that black and white produce the strongest contrast. This contrast results in simplicity and beauty, as seen in traditional Japanese Ink Wash Painting and early and contemporary black and white photography. Inspired by the efficiency of these arts, designer Tetsuya Matsumoto wanted to integrate more aspects touching the human senses, such as textures, into the design of the school office.

Matsuo Gakuin preparatory school needed a new office space for its reception and meeting rooms. White and Steel uses contrast as a concept, not only in color but also in various aspects that touch human senses. All textures are uniformly painted white, generating an inorganic space. Over it, a metallic material called Black Skin Iron was applied to several surfaces. The result is a contrast in colors, textures, and touches that define the spaces.

The existing space and the new surfaces in this design were all painted white to create an inorganic and homogenous space. The next step was to cover designated spaces in a metallic base material called Black Skin Iron. The oxide layers generated on the iron surface during the rolling process result in an enchanting blueness and an organic texture.

The entrance door leads to a large white hall, reminiscent of contemporary art galleries. The back wall separating the reception counter and the backyard is covered in Black Skin Iron plates and illuminated through surface lighting in the ceiling. To the right, a glazed conference room, and to the left, two consultation tables decorated by metallic plates hanging on the white wall, similar to the display of paintings in art galleries. A door on the left side of the counter leads to the study room.

White and Steel was designed in Himeji City, Japan, and constructed in Nagata Ward, Kobe City, Japan. The project started in September 2017 and was completed in December 2017.

This design was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in 2018 for its outstanding and creatively ingenious approach. It incorporates best practices in art, science, design, and technology, exhibiting strong technical and creative skills. White and Steel contributes to quality of life improvements, making the world a better place.