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Tsukuba, Ibaraki

Eisai Tsukuba Research Laboratories — three-level bridges that create chance meetings

In Ibaraki, the research laboratories that the drug maker Eisai opened in 1982 were rebuilt and renovated. Three-level bridges now link the buildings to encourage a “circulation of knowledge” across the whole site. Everything below is based on the design-build company's official page.

Bridges around the atrium
A white corridor with a staircase
Trees in the courtyard, seen from above
An office with large windows
An office with plants

6 photos · © Takenaka Corporation (works: Eisai Tsukuba Research Laboratories) · Tap any photo to view it full size

LocationIbarakiCompleted2023Size65,110 m² of floor space, 1 basement and 7 storeysDesign and constructionTakenaka CorporationAwardJapan Sign Design Award 2023, Silver

Introduction

Knowledge Circulation

The official page says three-level bridges between the existing buildings create a new loop, with places for co-creation set along it.

The shape of the bridges came from analysing how researchers move in response to light, heat and views, to maximise chance encounters.

01 · Bridges

Corridors for meeting

Bright bridges let in light and greenery.

A white corridor with a staircase
A white corridor with a staircase

02 · Courtyard

A courtyard with trees

The aim is a place where people, information and nature meet.

Trees in the courtyard, seen from above
Trees in the courtyard, seen from above

03 · Offices

Researchers' offices

Bright offices with desks under line lighting.

An office with large windows
An office with large windows
An office with plants
An office with plants

04 · Outside

A curving façade

A curving glass façade.

The curving façade
The curving façade

What is a circulation loop?

A route through a building that lets people walk all the way round.

At Eisai Tsukuba Research Laboratories, the bridges form a loop that increases encounters between researchers.

CompanyEisai
DesignTakenaka Corporation
Photos© Takenaka Corporation (works: Eisai Tsukuba Research Laboratories)
SourcesTakenaka Corporation official website: Eisai Tsukuba Research Laboratories

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