AI Associates | Fusing Takeda’s two-century legacy with the tranquility of Japandi design, this Jakarta head office balances global scientific rigor with locally inspired wellness and comfort.
AI Associates | When relocating Takeda’s Jakarta head office, the design focus was to create a space that could simultaneously honor a 240-year legacy and capture an innovative, transformative spirit. We wanted this new office to instill the core philosophy of Takeda-ism: Integrity, Fairness, Honesty, and Perseverance.
We achieved this balance by adopting the Japandi design style, a precise methodology for translating global scientific excellence into regional comfort. This approach seamlessly integrates the Japanese philosophy of simplicity and well-being with the Scandinavian embrace of coziness and comfort. The material palette immediately reflects this: a serene selection of natural colors, timber laminate, and raw concrete-like textures. This intentional blend of natural materials and organic geometrics creates a poised, welcoming space with complementary function and form work.
Biophilia and the Japandi Welcome
The office sets a tone of calm and trust from the moment guests arrive. The design maximizes engagement immediately; guests are greeted with a spacious reception and instantly welcomed by the cozy collaboration lounge and the adjoining open pantry.
The integration of biophilic elements serves as a direct visual metaphor for Takeda’s endurance. The striking vertical moss wall, a visual centerpiece in the reception area, was incorporated as a symbol of perseverance and longevity, instantaneously elevating the liveliness of the workspace. This focus on the natural environment is sustained throughout the office: low greenery planters are strategically integrated into workstation storage units, acting as natural room dividers that enhance visual comfort without obstructing the open-plan sightlines.
The environment thrives on natural light. Full-height windows run the length of the floorplate, maximizing light and offering panoramic city views. Light control is managed to ensure the illumination complements the sophisticated material choices throughout the day.
Functional Zoning and Strategic Engagement
The office area is zoned to promote engagement and interactions, featuring ample social space and collaboration areas. The floorplate is strategically divided into “Focus” zones and “Flexi” zones to support both individual deep work and dynamic team collaboration.
Branding is subtly integrated through strategic red accents. Takeda’s corporate color is used sparingly as a bold band of color tracing the ceiling perimeter, on feature columns, and in select furniture pieces. This controlled application reinforces brand identity without overwhelming the serene “Japandi” atmosphere.
Collaboration spaces are engineered for ultimate flexibility. To cater to company events and house large groups, the meeting rooms feature collapsible acoustic walls that open up the entire space. To further promote team spirit among the staff, a dedicated game area was created, equipped with Foosball and table tennis for recreational bonding moments.
The central pantry and break area are designed as a vibrant, large-scale social hub, reinforcing the coziness of the Japandi style. A long, elevated communal table, framed by a continuous slatted timber ceiling feature, creates a lively café atmosphere for informal meetings and breaks. Flexible meeting rooms and training areas feature wood flooring, acoustic ceiling treatments, and integrated technology, ensuring seamless transitions between presentations and workshops.
In every detail, the Takeda Jakarta office merges the global rigor of scientific endeavor with an environment that prioritizes the health, focus, and cultural comfort of its regional team, ensuring the workspace is a sustainable platform for high performance and embodies the timeless principles of Takeda-ism.
Project: Takeda
Location: Indonesia
Design Studio: AI Associates
Photo Credit: Imaji Raya
Website: ai-associates.com
