This project transforms two floors of an office building located a one-minute walk from Shinjuku-gyoemmae Station into “BLOCKS Shinjukugyoen,” a shared office.

Planting, a defining element of BLOCKS spaces, is integrated throughout the project, while the ponds of Shinjuku Gyoen inspired a site-specific design language. Details evoking the movement of water and reflective materials that capture light and the surrounding scenery create a sense of depth and subtle variation reminiscent of the water’s edge.

In the second-floor lounge, careful coordination of the building services allowed the finished floor level to be kept to SL +150 mm. By removing the existing ceiling and exposing the building structure and services, the ceiling height was increased from approximately 2.7 metres to over 3.4 metres, creating an open and spacious lounge.

Along the large street-facing windows of the lounge, planting—a signature element of the BLOCKS series—is arranged in layered tiers. Visually connected to the city through the glazing yet enveloped by abundant greenery, the resulting workplace balances a sense of calm with openness.