A reception space blending art and nature.
Design studio I IN has reimagined the reception lounge of a Tokyo office in the Museum Tower Kyobashi. Drawing inspiration from the building’s role as an art museum and its location in a gallery-rich district, the project merges art with functionality, creating a “living lounge” that bridges the gap between work and home.
A Space Between Work and Home
I IN designed the lounge as an intermediary space, neither fully office nor home. “We aimed to create a grey area between ‘on’ and ‘off,'” the studio explained. By incorporating natural elements, warm lighting, and comfortable furnishings, the lounge encourages relaxation while maintaining a professional atmosphere.
Artful Inspirations
The redesign embraces the building’s connection to art and sensibility. The centrepiece, a granite planter filled with greenery and moss, evokes the natural landscape of Tokyo’s historical Musashino Forest. “We imagined what the forest would look like five years from now, mirroring the building’s own history,” I IN shared.
Adding further depth, a sculptural installation of ceramic louvres references the building’s aluminium facade. These hand-crafted elements are arranged to mimic wind movement, appealing to the senses with their warm texture and organic materiality.
Aesthetic Continuity
Nikken Sekkei’s original design for Museum Tower Kyobashi features curved roofs and multi-sectional louvres inspired by traditional Japanese architecture. I IN honoured this legacy by creating a cohesive interior that balances modernity with nature, art, and tradition.
I IN’s redesign of the Museum Tower Kyobashi lounge demonstrates a harmonious blend of nature, art, and modern design, transforming the space into a vibrant yet serene “living lounge.” This innovative approach fosters creativity and relaxation, perfectly complementing the building’s cultural significance.