Office in Hashima by PERMANENT Co., Ltd. + Atelier Nagara Architectural Design Office

Redefining Workplace Architecture Through Nature: The Office in Hashima

Set amidst the serene rice fields of Hashima City, this new headquarters designed by PERMANENT Co., Ltd. and Atelier Nagara Architectural Design Office seamlessly blends modern office functionality with Japan’s rural tranquility. Surrounded by mountains and endless greenery, the Office in Hashima reimagines the workspace as a space of calm observation and connection with nature rather than mere productivity.

The architects were inspired by the quiet beauty of the everyday landscape — the sway of rice stalks, the changing sunlight, and the rippling reflections on water after rainfall. Instead of designing a building that simply fits into the landscape, they sought to create an architectural device that draws attention to these subtle yet profound natural movements.

Concept: A Building That Breathes With the Land

Commissioned by a civil engineering and real estate company deeply tied to the land, the project aimed to embody longevity, humility, and regional harmony. The architects envisioned a structure that not only serves its practical role as a corporate headquarters but also amplifies awareness of the surrounding environment.

The building’s roofline is its defining gesture—a dramatic slope that rises to the east while gently descending close to the ground. This asymmetry mirrors the organic flow of the terrain and engages with the light and atmosphere in a dynamic way. The undulating form enhances how reflections, shadows, and raindrops interact with the surface, turning the architecture itself into a lens through which nature is experienced.

Spatial Composition: Connecting Inside and Outside

Internally, the office follows a fluid layout designed for both functionality and contemplation. The entrance and meeting spaces are positioned under the raised portion of the roof, capturing ample daylight while framing views of the landscape.

A series of courtyards, verandas, and transitional zones serve as breathing spaces between the interior and exterior, encouraging a slower rhythm of work. Small pockets of greenery, stones, and water elements are thoughtfully integrated into the interiors, dissolving the boundaries between built and natural environments.

Large south-facing openings paired with deep overhangs maintain thermal comfort while providing intimate visual connections to the garden. The gentle play of light and shadow changes throughout the day, fostering a sense of time and seasonality within the workspace.

Functionality Meets Philosophy

The Office in Hashima serves multiple functions—formal meetings, casual breaks, and moments of silent reflection. By prioritizing natural light, ventilation, and sensory experiences, the architecture promotes well-being and mindfulness among its occupants.

This approach transforms the everyday office routine into an opportunity for reconnection—with nature, with community, and with oneself. It celebrates the coexistence of work and landscape, reminding visitors that beauty often resides in the unnoticed details of daily life.

 Crafting a New Everyday Scenery

Through its poetic design, Office in Hashima transcends traditional corporate architecture. It invites users to experience "a new everyday scenery", where architecture becomes a medium for awareness and gratitude toward the natural world.

Rooted in place yet forward-looking in design, this project stands as a harmonious dialogue between human activity and the timeless rhythms of nature.

All the photographs are works of Kenta Hasegawa