We are undertaking the gradual transformation of an existing shared office in the MG Meguro Building, just a one-minute walk from Meguro Station, as part of its rebranding as BLOCKS OFFICE. The renovation is planned to unfold in phases over several years. In this phase, we focused on the second-floor entrance and approximately half of the fourth-floor lounge.

The fourth-floor lounge was previously a dark, enclosed space with its windows covered by blinds. To introduce greenery as a core element of the BLOCKS identity, we created a continuous planted zone that follows the curved perimeter of the space, allowing users to feel surrounded by vegetation.

At the center of the lounge, a hill-like planted island shifts sightlines and loosely defines different areas within the otherwise open floor. As a result, greenery remains within view from almost every seat, creating a relaxed environment in which to work. The color palette draws on the character of Meguro—including the cherry trees along the Meguro River—while remaining consistent with the visual identity of BLOCKS.

The lounge is organized into two contrasting environments: a bright open workspace filled with natural light and a quieter zone for focused work. Individual pods and booths are also integrated into the space to provide more private settings for concentration.

Working within a limited budget, we sought to transform the interior while minimizing demolition. Rather than removing the existing finishes, we introduced new layers over them, allowing the previous interior and the new design to coexist.

The same approach was applied to the second-floor entrance. The existing ceiling and general lighting were retained, while the original reception counter was wrapped with a new layer of material. By adding rather than replacing, old and new elements are integrated into a single spatial composition.

The project explores how an existing space can be fundamentally renewed without relying on extensive demolition. By wrapping existing elements, inserting new components into residual spaces, and building upon what was already there, we aimed to achieve a substantial transformation with limited intervention and cost.