Torafu: Kayac Office

Japanese architecture studio Torafu has recently completed the offices of Kayac, creating an "observation tower" on the top floor of a 30-storey building, a flexible space defined by mobile furniture.

Japanese architecture practice Torafu has recently completed the offices of Kayac, creating an "observation tower" on the top floor of a 30-storey building in Yokohama. The 2,000 square metre space is intended to be a totally flexible environment, organized exclusively by movable furniture such as tables, planters, blackboards, shelves and dividers that can be changed at any time. The surrounding large windows feature telescopes, offering panoramic views of the Yokohama Bay on the eastern side of the city, while on the western side Mount Fuji can be seen up close thanks to an iPad with augmented reality contents.

"At both ends of the workspace, we have created a pyramid made of tables of different sizes, on which employees can sit at different heights," explained the architects. "Users can enjoy a bird's eye view of the 82 metres of space." As a "watchtower", this raised platform is an ideal place for breaks, as well as extemporary meetings, during which people are allowed to explore the surroundings from new points of view.

Torafu: KAYAC "Observation Tower" Office
Type: office
Architects: Torafu
Construction: Yokohama Kanagawa
Total area: 1974 square metres
Production: MITSUI FUDOSAN BUILDING MANAGEMENT / Ishimaru / E & Y
Completion: Summer 2012

Torafu: Kayac Office

Japanese architecture studio Torafu has recently completed the offices of Kayac, creating an "observation tower" on the top floor of a 30-storey building, a flexible space defined by mobile furniture.

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