Example CustomerIsuzu Motors Headquarters

On May 9, 2022, Isuzu Motors, along with many affiliated companies, moved its headquarters from Omori, Tokyo, to the Yokohama Gate Tower in the Minato Mirai district of Yokohama. On the 8th floor of the new building, “Yokohama Terrace,” a multi-purpose space with over 3,500 square meters of floor space and a seating capacity of 640, is now open.

In addition to serving some 2,000 meals per day to employees of Isuzu Motors and affiliated companies, the space can also be used as an office space for a way of working that is not restricted by time or place that defined ABW (activity-based working), a new way of working that is gaining popularity

Takuo Takahashi (Plant Engineer Group Leader, Manufacturing Engineering & Planning Department, Isuzu Motors) says, “In contrast to the cafeteria at the old headquarters, which was only used for eating, the cafeteria at the new headquarters, which quadrupled in size to accommodate the increased number of employees, was designed to be used for a variety of purposes, including internal meetings and customer meetings. This is also why we chose to call it 'Yokohama Terrace' rather than a 'cafeteria'”.

Tsutomu Fujii (General Manager, Architectural Division, Design and Construction Department), who oversaw the entire headquarters' relocation at Isuzu Estate Co. Ltd. in charge of real estate and space planning for the Isuzu Motors Group, explains, “From the beginning of the project, the concept of 'gathering' was shared by all everyone involved, and we discussed the ideal vision of this space.”
General Manager Fujii adds, “We wanted to create a space where the Group's employees could freely gather, regardless of their location or affiliation, and where they could interact with each other across the various divisions and such of the company. We also wanted to create a space where people could find a place to belong.”

The layout of the floor varies. Keisuke Sonoda of Sakakura Associates Architects and Engineers, who oversaw the detailed design, says, “We designed multiple zones to accommodate different use scenarios and numbers of users, such as spaces for large group meetings around a large table, and spaces where people can work alone and concentrate. We also used different floor heights in the seating areas. At the same time, we designed the space's shape and texture with an automobile company in mind, such as using the curved surface of the car body as a motif for the counters where food is served and for the catering counter.”

Upon hearing this, Mr. Fujii points to the shiny silver ceiling above the catering counter to emphasize the point and adds, “The 'Isuzu' in Isuzu Motors originated from the 'Isuzu River', a clear stream that flows through the Inner Shrine of Ise Jingu. The motif of this ceiling reflects the surface of the Isuzu River. Rather than pursuing the lavishness of a metropolitan cafeteria, the space is a modern expression of the 'simple and sturdy' identity that is Isuzu Motors' car manufacturing ideology.”

The building where Isuzu Motors relocated, which is also occupied by several of its affiliated companies, is a mixed-use building that also houses other tenants. Given the constraints of the building's standard specifications and timeline, it was apparently quite challenging to create a space that was both convenient to use and respectful of the company's identity. Takahashi says, “The design went through two or three iterations, but seeing the finished space, I think this was the only functionality and design that made sense. The responsiveness of the Fujimak staff was also outstanding.”

Fujii adds, “Fujimak is much more than just a kitchen equipment manufacturer, and we appreciated how they understood the construction situation and worked flexibly with us. To meet the construction schedule for the office building, the specifications changed several times, but Fujimak worked tirelessly with us, including coordinating work with the general contractor. I can honestly say that it was fun to work with the people at Fujimak.”

Sonoda added, “When the plan changes, it changes not only the floor but also the kitchen design. But Fujimak staff responded quickly every time, which was incredibly helpful.”

All three of those interviewed commented on how happy it made them feel to hear users say things like, “What a great atmosphere!” Yokohama Terrace is sure to endure as a space where many people gather to replenish their energy, interact, and generate meaningful ideas, all of which will contribute to Isuzu Motors' efforts to create its unique, never-ending stream of new products and services.