RIVAL Office: A Runway for Creativity designed by KAMITOPEN Co., Ltd.

The TRIVAL office, designed by Kamitopen, transforms the traditional workspace into a dynamic environment where creativity, functionality, and aesthetic minimalism come together. TRIVAL is a company that specializes in producing visual content, from advertising and web media to digital signage. They needed an office space that reflected their fast-paced, media-driven culture. Masahiro Yoshida, the visionary behind Kamitopen, aimed to design a space that mirrored the daily rhythms of TRIVAL's work environment while fostering a sense of energy and movement.

The central feature of the design is the "Runway," which redefines how office spaces can facilitate interaction and workflow. In media production, TRIVAL's employees constantly engage with models and clients, conducting interviews and coordinating projects that require a seamless blend of creativity and efficiency. This is where the runway concept comes into play - a literal and symbolic path that connects the entire office, linking the front entrance directly to the director's office in the back.

The runway is not just a passage; it serves as the heartbeat of the office. Located in the center of the space, it directs the flow of activity and sets the stage for the open, fluid nature of the office's daily operations. Flanked on either side by essential rooms such as meeting spaces, workstations, and creative areas, the runway is both a guiding framework and an architectural statement. It directs movement while visually anchoring the environment, making it functional and aspirational.

"Balancing Space and Privacy

Kamitopen incorporated natural elements into the design to create an open yet private atmosphere. Rows of strategically placed plants line the walkway, acting as organic barriers that subtly control the distance between those walking and those seated at their desks. This design choice achieves a delicate balance by promoting interaction while maintaining personal focus. The plants act as visual and physical buffers, creating zones that encourage productivity without isolating employees from each other, ensuring a thoughtful balance between openness and privacy.

The intentional minimalism of the material palette reinforces the sense of openness. Kamitopen chose a sleek, streamlined approach, using materials sparingly to ensure the focus remained on the spatial layout and the runway itself. By minimizing material usage, the design stays true to its core purpose: to create a sense of volume and lightness while emphasizing efficiency. This choice aligns with Kamitopen's broader design philosophy, which often focuses on spatial storytelling-a concept where the design of a space tells a story about its purpose and the people who use it-and a thoughtful approach to translating client needs into architectural forms.

The Emotional and Practical Impact

The TRIVAL office is not only visually appealing but also designed to prioritize the well-being and comfort of its employees. The layout, highlighted by the runway, encourages natural movement, making the environment feel more dynamic and less static. This design allows employees to move seamlessly from one area to another, promoting a sense of ease and comfort throughout the workday. The runway symbolizes the company's creative journey, inspiring employees to feel like they are stepping onto a stage, with each day offering new opportunities for engagement, collaboration, and innovation. The practical impact of the design ensures that the TRIVAL office is not just a workplace, but a space that employees eagerly anticipate being in.

Kamitopen's design aims to transform the office into a space that employees eagerly anticipate being in rather than just a workplace. The design promotes interaction without enforcing strict structure by prioritizing flow and flexibility. This approach effectively aligns with the fast-paced, media-centric world in which TRIVAL operates-a world where quick decision-making, constant communication, and adaptability are key. The design of the TRIVAL office reflects these aspects, creating an environment that supports the company's work culture.

A Workplace Reinvented

The TRIVAL project showcases Kamitopen's talent for combining functionality with a minimalist design, creating a spacious and cozy workspace. The runway serves as more than just a walkway; it symbolizes the connection of the company's operations, embodying the energy and movement that define TRIVAL's work. Through reimagining the use of space and incorporating innovative design elements, Kamitopen has designed an office that prioritizes fostering creativity and enhancing comfort and practicality.

The TRIVAL office represents a new paradigm in workplace design, where space, movement, and minimalism come together to create an environment that is functional and inspirational. Kamitopen has uniquely designed the space to reflect the essence of TRIVAL's creative work, enhancing the daily experiences of those who work there.

For more information, please visit: http://kamitopen.com/en/

*This project is one of the shortlisted project in the Sky Design Awards 2024 - Interior Design: Commercial and Office Division