CARTA HOLDINGS Toranomon Office by SEMBA Corporation (Japan)
CARTA HOLDINGS, Inc., established through the integration of two companies with distinct corporate cultures, has launched its new headquarters office. We have created an office that is “ever evolving” in terms of both function and design, and which contributes to the creation of new ideas and improved engagement.
To iconically represent the "fusion of different corporate cultures," SEMBA Corporation, the interior design firm responsible for the project, combined unique furniture pieces—each with distinctive colors and designs from the two former offices—to create entrance furniture in the shape of the CARTA logo.We prioritized environmental sustainability by upcycling furniture and building materials from the two former offices instead of discarding them. We unified these elements with the corporate color, black, to create a cohesive design. Furthermore, we created new original materials using unused furniture from 2 companies. We created a panel with a gradient effect, where materials from the two locations converge at the center, expressing the creation of new synergies and evolution. We utilized the materials for the café counter and high table surfaces.
To embody CARTA HOLDING’s corporate mission, "The Evolution Factory," in the design of the workspace, we deliberately left certain areas unfinished and created an office with flexibility and adaptability, rather than a fully designed, fixed space. We designed the window-side area with minimal LGS framework to form the essential structure of the walls, allowing for flexible spatial expansion. The design enables the space to be easily transformed based on employee needs—whether by adding boards for privacy, changing to curtains or glass to create an open meeting space, or incorporating whiteboards and bookshelves to foster interaction. Additionally, we incorporated slits throughout the office walls, allowing for the flexible installation of counters, bulletin boards, and other elements as needed. The office can be adapted and reconfigured as required. Furthermore, at the entrance, we showcased the structural framework, base materials, and finishes of the walls as a design feature, symbolizing the process of evolution and creating an iconic space that communicates the company's mission. For the wall of meeting rooms and other areas, we intentionally avoided decorative finishes and used the functional materials of the underlying structure as the final surface treatment, thereby conveying a sense of potential for ongoing evolution.
Besides, to foster the integration of corporate cultures, we incorporated numerous features to enhance communication and collaboration among employees. We provided a variety of spaces for interaction, including a café, communication lounge, bar, multipurpose area, and open meeting spaces. By avoiding rigid divisions and instead scattering different forms of spaces, we aimed to encourage small interactions and serendipitous encounters, fostering new connections and co-creation. Inside the large bookshelf, we integrated a bar counter and a small live stage, creating a relaxed environment for employees to unwind.
A3 Panel:
