Shinya Nomiyama's Award-Winning Office Design: Miyajima Insurance

Connecting the Office with the City through Innovative Architecture

The concept of "Japanese Shakkei", or "borrowed scenery", is a traditional East Asian garden design principle which incorporates the surrounding landscape into the composition of a garden. Nomiyama has ingeniously applied this principle to the design of an office space. The office is designed as a "tunnel" that connects the office with the city, taking full advantage of the site's location on a hill overlooking Fukuoka. This creates a sense of openness and transparency, allowing visitors to feel a connection with the city while inside the office.

Nomiyama's design is characterized by its attention to detail. The doors, the black gap for installing air-condition fixtures and lighting, and the plants inside the office in a hexagon table are all designed to enhance the vertical line to the city. The major materials used in the construction of the office include wood, glass, steel, paint, red cedar, aluminium windows, plaster board, and tile, all contributing to the overall aesthetic of the space.

The project presented several challenges, primarily due to the site's location on a hill. The site was divided into three areas, one of which had a different height level from the others. Two flat areas were suitable for building the architecture, while the other area with a level gap was suitable for car parking. Nomiyama ingeniously used the level gap area as an approach for visitors, allowing them to see the overview inside the office and city view. As a result, the office floor level and car parking area level became flat to emphasize the connection.

The Miyajima Insurance office design is a testament to Nomiyama's innovative approach to architecture. It is a design that truly embodies the concept of "Japanese Shakkei", seamlessly blending the office space with the surrounding cityscape. The project's recognition with a Silver A' Design Award is a testament to its excellence in design and innovation.

Shinya Nomiyama's Miyajima Insurance office design is not just an architectural project, but a work of art that redefines the concept of office space. It is a design that truly connects the office with the city, creating a unique and engaging environment for both employees and visitors. With its innovative design and attention to detail, the Miyajima Insurance office is a shining example of the potential of modern office design.