The plan for the co-working space “TURN Harajuku” is to be located in a vintage apartment building that is 45 years old, just a 1-minute walk from Meiji-jingumae Station. This project is a new venture by Sorekara Design Co., Ltd., and it serves three main purposes. The co-working space is primarily designed for drop-in (hourly rental) usage, so fixed seats are not provided. Instead, the space features comfortable sofa seating throughout. Some parts of the space will also be utilized for seminars, events, and meetings organized by Sorekara Design.

The existing space was in a skeleton state, with the exception of the floors, characterized by beams (with the lower end at FL+1830) running freely across the ceiling and a variety of pipes. In many cases, skeleton structures like this one retain traces of their history, such as marks from GL bond adhesive, subfloor materials, and hanging fixtures, just above the beam level. However, in spaces with limited ceiling height, these traces can be perceived as a negative feature rather than a desirable roughness. In this particular section, the ceiling height was low in several areas, and the negative impressions of the existing pipes were a concern for the client.

To address this, we decided to utilize the existing beams while simultaneously concealing the negative aspects of the ceiling. Instead of creating an entirely new ceiling that would further reduce the height, we opted to apply paint along the beam lines, resembling the traces of different spatial sequences seen in a cityscape after a snowfall. This approach allowed us to retain the historical traces of the space while creating a unified and distinct interior. Furthermore, we divided the space according to the beams and used zoning techniques, distinguishing each ceiling finish with variations in glossiness, texture, and color. This design choice enabled the space to unfold as visitors pass through the beams, revealing various areas despite being a single room.

As an alternative approach to office spaces, we envision TURN Harajuku to be more than just a workspace. By actively engaging with the outside world and providing a public setting, we hope to address various challenges that companies face and foster connections with people. This project holds the expectation that through such initiatives, a range of issues can be resolved, transforming the concept of an office into a space that is open and interactive.