large tree trunks arrow through tomoaki uno's peaceful forest-like office in japan

Forest Office by Tomoaki Uno

Within a suburb in the Japanese city of Nagoya, Tomoaki Uno Architects has created a unique workspace reminiscent of a tranquil forest. Taking cues from the peaceful aesthetics of the Jingu Shrine in the city of Ise, the architects filled the office space with rows of large tree trunks. The atmosphere, captured by London-based architectural photographer Edmund Sumner, oscillates between harmony and mystery, generating an almost mystical environment that simultaneously strengthens the connection between the users and nature.

all images courtesy of Edmund Sumner

Using thick tree trunks as a metaphor

Since the client had no specific requirements for this space, Tomoaki Uno was able to explore a variety of spatial possibilities and work with creative freedom. ‘As someone who usually works within functional constraints, this was an exciting opportunity for me,’ the Japanese architect shares. 

The team decided to create a space where ‘invisible things are strongly felt,’ taking inspiration from the unique atmosphere that Uno felt every time he walked along the entrance to the Ise Jingu shrine. According to him, it was a space that felt pure and calm, almost as if spirits were present there, while at the same time it had a certain reality. On the way to the temple, the architect came across rows of large trees that strongly influenced this feeling. Therefore, he decided to recreate this element and use the thick trunks as a metaphor.

where mystery and perfect harmony meet

The design of this forest-like office reflects Uno’s design identity, weaving a thoughtful material palette of concrete and wood while moving away from a vulgar approach of reconstructing nature through architecture.

Initially, the team decided to remove only the bark from the logs and arrange them at even intervals. However, since none of the logs were the same shape, it was even impossible to place them neatly. To make matters worse, one of the logs did not fit in its intended place. So the design had to provide for a more organic, ‘unplanned’ arrangement of the trunks. ‘It was an idea that came about without any intention, but it became a success,’ the architects share. In the end, the office space became a place where a mysterious atmosphere reigns in perfect harmony.

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project info: 

name: The Meito Arts Association Office
architects: Tomoaki Uno Architects | @tomoaki.uno
location: Nagoya City, Japan
 photography: Edmund Sumner | @edmundsumner