Steven Leach Group was engaged by container shipping company, Hapag-Lloyd, to realize an agile office for their location in Tokyo, Japan.

As a global leader in container shipping Hapag Lloyd is an important logistics bridge between Europe and Japan. It has a long history in the Japanese market. After having stayed in their own building for more than two decades, operational aspects could no longer be accommodated in an efficient manner, so a move to a new location was the logical next step.

The new office is in a brand-new building in Hanzomon on the fringes of the Imperial Garden next to the British Embassy. This prominent location gives access to undisturbed views of greenery on both sides of the office. Utilizing the grand view for all employees was a guiding principle of the design. Hapag Lloyd also decided to move to a more agile workstyle, incorporating free address seating and a variety of different work settings to enhance movement and intermingling among staff. As a new way of working the company wanted to promote flexibility to increase employees’ well-being and mental health.

Bespoke artwork which was developed in staff workshops and then finalized by a professional artist complements the branding elements scattered throughout the office. The artwork gives a very personalized statement and is a perfect tool for fostering staff identification with the brand. Various biophilic design elements were also incorporated within the office, including natural lighting, wooden floors, and live plants.

Design: Steven Leach Group

Design Team: Kurt Handlbauer, Hanayo Morioka, Masahiro Matsuda

Contractor: Sumitomo Realty & Development

Photography: Masaya Yoshimura | Copist

10 Images | expand for additional detail