Revolutionizing Architecture: The Nippo Junction

Unveiling the Unique Design Concept of Nippo's Head Office

The Nippo Junction, the head office of leading road construction company Nippo, is a revolutionary architectural design that stands out for its unique concept and innovative features. The design was inspired by the concept of 'Michi', a Japanese term for street, which is also expressed in Nippo's logo and slogan. The designers saw Michi as a connection between various elements and incorporated this concept into the design of the new head office. The aim was to reorganize the connection between neighboring cities and workplaces, which were sparse at the former head office.

The Nippo Junction is built over a multilayered intersection of urban infrastructure, an expressway, and a park. By drawing this multilayered intersection on the laminated workplace, Michi connects not only physical spaces but also the individuality and distinctiveness of each place. This concept was enhanced to forge creative connections and to realize a unique workplace possible only at Nippo.

The design of the Nippo Junction is characterized by its unique double-skin façade on the north-west side. The outer skin is fan-shaped and supported by a two-sided system with a frame and SSG System. The inner skin is completely flat and mullion-less, enabling the use of inner spaces directly up to the glass panels. This dynamic façade, composed of stone mullions and glass panels, expresses both the forward-looking and reliable identities of the company.

The design also incorporates unique interaction features. Columns are placed between Quiet Michi and Ie spaces, defining a soft boundary. Each department or team can set its own relationship with Michi by varying the layout of the Ie zones for column intervals. The columns have inserts that allow a wide variety of boundaries to be set up according to worker needs.

The Nippo Junction faced several design challenges, including the need for an exterior plan to prepare for typhoons and the careful setting of the wind pressure of the double skin façade. The design also had to incorporate a stone, requiring careful consideration of the interlayer displacement and construction accuracy at the time of an earthquake. Despite these challenges, the design team was able to realize a very delicate exterior.

The Nippo Junction is a testament to the power of innovative design and the potential of architecture to redefine the concept of a workplace. The design was awarded Silver in A' Architecture, Building and Structure Design Award in 2020, a testament to its outstanding expertise and innovation. The Nippo Junction is not just a head office, but a unique workplace that fosters connection, creativity, and innovation.