2026 | Professional

MUSE Design Awards Silver Winner

TERRACE Q

Entrant

KOKUYO

Category

Interior Design - Office 

Client's Name

YUTO SHIMIZU

Country / Region

Japan

About The Entry

We reorganized the company cafeteria, whose purpose was previously limited to dining and brief breaks, into a space that fosters high-quality refreshment and informal, diverse interactions. In addition to conventional activities like eating, we aimed to create a courtyard-like space scattered with cues ("Que") that allow everyone to spend time in their own way as the day progresses. These cues include high-quality recharge ("Q"uality), self-refining exploration ("Q"uest), and deepening inquiries with colleagues ("Q"uestion). Furthermore, since this floor is located on the 9th floor,we established the concept as "TERRACE Q." (9 is pronounced "kyu" in Japanese. )

This project consists of two areas: the "HALL" and the "LOUNGE." The "HALL" functions as a flexible space where individuals or groups can enjoy meals, accommodating work and events outside of lunchtime. The "LOUNGE" features an adjoining cafe, utilizing a relaxed and spacious layout to provide high-quality time for both mind and body by encouraging rich rest, individual contemplation, and intimate dialogue.

The core of the spatial design is the "circle," an element also found in the corporate logo. Serving as a design motif that rounds off the corners of various boundaries and gently connects people and spaces, it was incorporated into the spatial details, such as the layout, circulation paths, furniture, lighting, partitions, and signage, to reflect the brand's elements and values.

Additionally, as the essence of "TERRACE Q", a place for food, learning, and healing, sage and sage green, which symbolize herbs, healing, and knowledge, were adopted as key colors. Furthermore, by drawing the expansive landscape of the adjacent park into the interior as borrowed scenery and harmonizing it with diverse plantings, we created a sensation of being entirely surrounded by greenery. The lighting plan was designed with "komorebi" (sunlight filtering through trees) in mind, establishing the unique character of each area while generating a cohesive sense of unity.

Through a design approach that balances individual comfort with an overall sense of unity, we constructed a courtyard-like place where people can find their own spot and gather while loosely sharing the space.

Credits

KOKUYO Co., Ltd.
MAO KANEKO
KOKUYO Co., Ltd.
KANA GAYAMA
KOKUYO Co., Ltd.
YUTO SHIMIZU
More Silver Winners
Fashion
2026
MUSE Design Awards Winner - WAR HORSE

Entrant

JIN ZHAO ZHU BAO

Category

Fashion Design - Jewelry

Product
2026
MUSE Design Awards Winner - SATUO T30Pro window cleaning robot

Entrant

Shanxi Jiashida Robotics Technology Co.,Ltd

Category

Product Design - Smart Home

Architectural
2026
MUSE Design Awards Winner - Dawn Chaser - Inhabiting the Edge of Light

Entrant

Yuqi Zhang

Category

Architectural Design - Resilient Architecture (NEW)

Interior
2026
MUSE Design Awards Winner - The Luminous Sequence

Entrant

Chingu Interior Design Ltd.

Category

Interior Design - Renovation