The VMware Japan office designed by GARDE was awarded a “5 Star” award in the Interior Design Awards/Office Interior category of The Asia Pacific Property Awards.
Now in their 29th year, the International Property Awards are judged by a panel of over 80 industry experts, with a focus on design, quality, service, innovation, originality, and commitment to sustainability.
The International Propety Award is widely recognized worldwide as a highly prestigious design award.
The Asia Pacific Property Awards are the most recognized design awards in Asia, with many properties entering each year to compete in terms of design, quality, innovation, and originality.
Among a large number of entries, the design of the VMware Japan office was selected as a 5 Star entry.
VMware, Hong Kong and Indonesia were the only three properties in Asia to receive the “5 Star” award, and the only one from Japan.
The International Propety Award is proof that the office designs created by GARDE are comprehensively superior in terms of “quality”, “service”, “innovation”, “originality” and “sustainability”. Designs created by GARDE will continue to develop into the future with high expectations for the potential of GARDE’s designs.
Every year, GARDE actively engages in PR activities to promote design spaces and design excellence by entering several national and international design awards.
GARDE designed the clubhouse for BAKER CIRCLE ONE, the first phase of Baker Circle, a large redevelopment complex project in the Hong Ham area by Henderson Land, the No. 1 developer in Hong Kong. GARDE designed the clubhouse for BAKER CIRCLE ONE.
The clubhouse, based on the concept of “Blooming”, employs elements with a “Japanese” feel. We designed a minimalist, fresh shared space.
On June 21 (Tue), a large-scale press conference was held for the Hong Kong media, and GARDE’s President Mr. Muro and design director, Mr. Saito, participated remotely on behalf of GARDE.
We then interviewed the design director, Arata Saito, who was in charge of the design of BAKER CIRCLE ONE’s clubhouse.
■About the design concept
First, the client asked us if we could create a design with a Japanese motif. Since a normal reproduction of a Japanese space in Hong Kong would be too colorful, we decided to provide an unusual design with Japanese elements.
In this context, we have designed an elegant space that is wrapped in an organic atmosphere such as a flower petal, while using the shades of light as the key concepts. It is a space where you can feel the 365 days of time pass and the changing of the seasons. The soft and elegant curves of the petals were used as a motif to create a fluid and gentle atmosphere through the use of materials, colors,and lighting.
For example, we did not use very strong lighting, but, rather, used a lot of indirect light. The walls and ceilings were kept as simple as possible, and the shadows of petals and greenery cast by the indirect light spread over them, giving the space a deep, restful feeling.
Of course, each season is influenced by the environment, but we hope that you will see this as a plus and enjoy experiencing each moment created by the changing seasons and time.
■Baker Circle One Clubhouse Design Features
We designed each of the three buildings as shared spaces with different functions and purposes so that friends, family, and residents can use them in their own way and with their own hobbies and interests.
Indoors, there are cultural activities such as a yoga space and library. Outdoor activities include a rooftop garden, fruit garden, BBQ site, playground, and activities such as a rooftop garden, fruit garden, BBQ site, playground, and urban farm, making it a unique and highly satisfying space.
■About Lounge Design
（Image 1）
We have designed lounges for each of the three buildings. In this issue, we will discuss the lounge designs for two of the three buildings.
The design of the first building (Top Image), with its beautiful cherry blossom trees that seem to depict the life force of nature as is, is impressive. By eliminating the boundary between the outdoors and the indoors, we planned the space to be as spacious and rich as possible within the narrow living environment of Hong Kong.
In addition, in order to fulfill the various needs of users, the wall side is designed as a multi-function wall. This is a place where the sharing of space is strongly emphasized due to the diverse use of the space.
The staircase leading to the rooftop garden on the third floor has a bold curved design that expresses the softness of the space.
Next, the design of the second building (Image 1) was designed with the intention of creating a more Japanese feel, and the use of latticework, as well as andon-style wall surfaces, and rough-finished stones further emphasize the shadows.
By daring to switch the design of the flooring and the ceiling, we created a space where people can spend time comfortably and feel a sense of peace by giving the space a sense of liveliness.
■About Yoga Room Design
We designed a yoga room as one for cultural activities. The large windows overlooking all four sides allow plenty of natural light to pour in, while the low-brightness lighting and curvilinear design of the ceiling create a sense of openness and soft light that softly envelops the body and mind.
In addition, the warmth of the wood flooring may be described as a “yoga space in the sky” that relaxes not only the body but also the mind.
■About Library Design
The entire space is unified by the earthy tones, with fin-like wall surfaces, wavy latticework, and skylights that resemble flower petals.
From the ceiling floods a sparkling natural light similar to the brilliance of water, and the balcony space with its lush fruit garden allows you to feel the airiness of the plants. We have created a space where you can experience the luxury of being surrounded by nature while still being in the big city.
■About Art Space Design
The simple wood-based space is filled with soft natural light, and together with the various artworks, we believe that visitors will be able to feel the slow flow of time.
The ceiling is made up of rounded parts, and wooden chairs are used to incorporate a playful spirit that reminds us of the free creations we made in our childhood gardens.
We designed this space to be a gentle place where people can forget the hustle and bustle of daily life and calm their minds.
■About Staycation Room Design
With the restrictions of international travel still in place, we designed a space where people can experience “wa”, or Japanese sensibilities, which is an extraordinary experience. By adopting materials that are “wa” in terms of both sight and smell, such as tatami mats, latticework, and washi paper lighting, we were able to express a minimalist, lean, “wa” atmosphere.
■About Gym Space Design
Brilliant outside light pours in through the wide-open windows, and skylights on the exterior portions of the building create a sense of openness. Roman shades were employed to adjust the amount of sunlight.
The wall accented with soft curves is based on the motif of Japanese folding screens. We hope you can feel the “harmony” here as well.
■Desiner Profile Arata SaitoDesign Division, Design Department, Design Director, First Class Registered Architect
The Candeo Hotels Kyoto Karasuma Rokkaku won GOLD in the MUSE DESIGN AWARDS 2022.
Francesco Ristori and Anna Nishigori are young designers who are steadily developing their skills and practice, including interior design for the hotel.
In this interview, we focused on the design work conducted at Candeo Hotels Kyoto Karasuma Rokkaku, and interviewed the two about how they became interested in design and their personal lives.
*Francesco Ristori, hereafter referred to as “Francesco”; Anna Nishigori, hereafter referred to as “Nishigori.”
◆First of all, please tell us about your backgrounds.
Francesco: “I studied architecture at the University of Florence. After graduation, I worked in Italy designing residential and retail buildings and restoring many historical buildings. In the process, I became interested in designing new buildings and decided to move to Japan, where there are many historical buildings, just as in Italy.”
Nishigori: “I originally majored in civil engineering. However, I became interested in the renovation of historical buildings after encountering Tate Modern in the UK. So, I decided to study interior design in England.”
◆Please tell us about the properties you have worked on since joining GARDE.
Francesco:“Since coming to Japan in 2014, he has participated in a wide range of office, hospitality, residential, retail, and department store projects in Japan and Asia, including, MetLife Tokyo Garden Terrace Olinas Tower, Candeo Hotels Kyoto Karasuma Rokkaku, Kosugi 3rd Avenue, HOTEL ARU KYOTO Sanjo-Kiyamachi, and many other projects in Japan and Asia at large, in a wide range of genres including office, hospitality, residential, commercial, and department stores. My current focus is office design.”
Nishigori: “Since joining the company, I have worked on interior design for various genres such as hotels, retail, and food halls. For example, I have been in charge of designing various properties with a focus on hospitality design, such as Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel, Candeo Hotels Kyoto Karasuma Rokkaku, and US HOTEL.”
◆What did you keep in mind when designing Candeo Hotels Kyoto Karasuma Rokkaku?
Francesco: “I felt that Kyoto has a strong identity and connection with its neighborhood associations in a positive sense;where communities are formed,and culture is nurtured. I thought this was very valuable and would continue to be so, so I tried to ensure that the hotel design would gently blend in with the town while maintaining harmony with the surrounding community.
Nishigori: “When we first toured the house, the machiya was very dark, but due to the nature of the lounge, we tried to create a bright space that everyone would want to enter as a place welcoming to guests. On the other hand, there were many regulations that made it difficult to design the space, such as not allowing holes in the beams due to the fact that is a historical building. In this situation, we worked while considering how to integrate `character` of Candeo Hotel, and how to express it in the design.
◆What are some of the things that have inspired you?
Francesco:“The key to the design of the Candeo Hotel is its femininity. Therefore, we picked up the best materials that convey a soft and elegant image, starting with feminine colors, and worked to incorporate them into the design without being obnoxious.”
Nishigori: “Since the concept of the `character` of Candeo Hotel was `glitz and glamour`, we were inspired by jewelry as a symbol of that concept.”
◆What are the key points of the design and what do you definitely want people to see here?
Francesco:“The courtyard is the focal point of Candeo Hotels Kyoto Karasuma Rokkaku, where the fragrance of the historic machiya house and the gentle, modern design of the new building merge. I hope you will see and feel it.
Nishigori: “The structure of the room currently used as a BAR is interesting and definitely something to behold”
◆Through the MUSE DESIGN AWARDS and other design awards, our designs have been highly evaluated. What are the points that you think have been highly evaluated?
Francesco: “I believe that the gentle blend of the new structure with the historic building is a key point in its evaluation.
Nishigori: “I think the key to the design is in the fusion of old and new, with a connection between the historical value of the townhouse itself and the new building that takes advantage of this value.”
◆What have you learned through the design of Candeo Hotels Kyoto Karasuma Rokkaku?
Francesco: It was very exciting to be involved in a project that blends historical buildings that tend to be untouched depending on their intended use with new architecture, transforming them into completely new structures, and I believe it was a wonderful experience for my future design work.
Nishigori:There were more regulations than for buildings I had experienced before, so I learned a lot thinking about how to give shape to the design I envisioned. Specifically, I did research on buildings in advance and designed them while thinking about where to show them off.”
◆How do you want to use this in your future design work?
Francesco: “In future projects, as in this one, I would like to design with consideration for the surrounding history and community. The reason for this is that regardless of whether it is a new property, renovation, or refurbishment, we believe it is the job of the architect/designer to pass on to the next generation the history and culture that has already been nurtured in that location, and the connection to the surrounding area that has always existed.”
Nishigori: “When designing, you must think about the actual construction method and how it will fit together beautifully.”
◆What design or project (either domestic or international) would you like to be involved in or work on in the future?
Francesco:“Based on this experience, we would like to reincarnate and renovate historical buildings as office environments, making the best use of modern technology and methods.”
Nishigori: “If given the opportunity, I would like to design a renovation of a historical building again.”
◇From here on out, we’re going to talk about the designer`s private lives…
◆I think your schedule becomes quite hard when you are close to the deadline. Is there anything you do to keep yourself going even in such a situation?
Francesco:“I am not doing anything special. The closer the deadline gets, the more efficient my production naturally becomes (laughs).”
Nishigori:“I try to get a good night’s sleep.”
◆How do you spend your days off?
Francesco: “I leave the city with my family and get in touch with nature.”
Nishigori:“Schooling, working on assignments, playing with my cats, and going out for a nice dinner with my husband!”
◆I think that a balance between design and mind/body is very necessary. What do you recommend to keep this balance?
Francesco:“For me, the moment I leave the office, I try to forget about work and switch to personal mode!”
Nishigori:“It’s all about eating good food and getting a good night’s sleep!”
◆What do you think is the one thing you must not lose when you are involved in the design business?
Francesco:“Motivation.”
Nishigori: “The spirit to never give up”
◆What do you want to convey through architectural design that will last for 100 or 200 years?
Francesco:“I believe that the quality of design can be found in the importance of history. In other words, architectural design is connected by connecting history. That is what I would like to convey
Nishigori: ”Quite simply, I think good design is appreciated regardless of time.
◆What advice would you give to those who want to get involved in design and make a living from it?
Francesco:“Design is a multi-sensory experience, not just a desk study. Always be curious about what happens in before your eyes, and be curious about a wide range of things, not just design!”
Nishigori:“I think it’s important to actually experience it for yourself!”
◆What appeals to you?
Francesco: “I think this is where I have an international mindset and like to take in even more different perspectives, ways of thinking, and ideas.”
Nishigori: It’s an INFP-T type of place!
The two artists strive to improve their senses and skills while maintaining a good daily life-work balance and at the same time feeling the importance of design. We look forward to seeing their designs enriching the eyes and hearts of many people around the world in the future!
◆Candeo Hotels Kyoto Karasuma Rokkaku
courtyardentranceTori-Doma / passagewayguest room
■Designer Profile
Francesco Ristori
International Design Division, Office Department, Architect, Designer
After achieving a master’s degree in architecture at the University of Florence, he specialized in Italy in housing and retail projects, as well as heritage buildings restoration. Since 2014 he has been involved as designer at GARDE, operating in Japan and Korea, China, and south-east Asia, involved in several project scales, such as corporate offices, hospitality, residential, commercial facilities, and department stores.
Anna Nishigori
Design Division, Large-scale Facility Design Department, Designer
After studying interior architecture in the UK and obtaining MA, she joined GARDE in 2017. She was involved in the concept planning, schematic design and construction document of Kyoto Candeo Hotel and Osaka’s new hotel. Utilizing the interior architecture technology she learned in the UK, she has been involved in various projects both in Japan and overseas with the focus on hospitality design.
On the 8th of June 2022, a reception party was held at GARDE ITALY S.R.L. showroom for the exhibition of the best award-winning works of “ADF Milano Salone Design Award 2022”. The event involved presentations to the Milano Salone jury, national media and other Italian companies. Around 100 people attended in light rain.
The “ADF Milano Salone Design Award” is an international design award for creators and artists from around the world. Organized by NPO Aoyama Design Forum (ADF), it is regarded as a gateway to success for young creators, attracting many entries every year.
The design theme for this year’s “ADF Milano Salone Design Award 2022” is ‘re_’. The evaluation is based on the quality of the design (beauty of form, choice of materials, ease of use and uniqueness), as well as simplicity, functionality and a timeless sense of presence.
The award-winning work of this year’s competition is “The beauty of wasting” by duo artists Lisa Ogawa and Tomomi Kawashima. (Top Image)
According to the judges, it is “(an) inspiring design for sustainable consumables” and “profound work that is not fudged by superficial impressions or played with by ambiguity and elusiveness, but is thoughtful, clear and solid in its answers (…). Not just content with interesting points of view, great ideas and inspiration, but they are incorporated into a beautiful and refined form that encompasses those ideas well”. Especially, “In a time when solutions to climate change are one of the world’s top priorities, it is important to understand that our way of life must change, starting with the way we consume. At the same time, the project encourages a dialogue about each person’s personal history, (…) It is a very simple, beautiful, conceptually strong and very thoughtful design.”
As in previous years, many design professionals and media representatives gathered for the joint exhibition in 2022, which was graced by the works of the Grand Prize winners, Ogawa and Kawashima. It was a meaningful and valuable event, opening up conversations for promising future possibilities.
GARDE was involved in the conceptualization, basic planning, basic design, and supervision of the interior portion of Prince Smart Inn Kyoto Sanjo, which opened on April 4, 2022.
■Location, lobby design, and seamless service through the introduction of ICT/AI technology: these are the main features of the hotel
Prince Smart Inn Kyoto Sanjo is located within walking distance of Sanjo Station (Keihan Main Line) and Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae Station (Kyoto Municipal Subway Tozai Line), making it a very convenient location for both sightseeing and business purposes in the city.
The façade is inspired by a contemporary machiya and composed of a combination of Japanese lattice doors and protruding latticework, (indeed, characteristic features of a Kyoto machiya). Not showy, but with a sophisticated design and a beautiful sense of rhythm and movement, these elements evoke a sense of anticipation for a stay in Kyoto.
GARDE was able to design a simple and open space by creating a sense of seamlessness going from the hotel entrance to the lobby.
The lobby area, check-in area, and restaurant were also designed to become a single space. Combined with ICT and AI technology, GARDE has completed a comfortable space that matches space and functionality.
The interior design is based on the theme “learning from the past”. It features a collage and a gold leaf wall art by artists with ties to Kyoto; wood block art with images of the four deities (blue dragon, white tiger, red bird, and black tortoise) that protect the north, south, east, and west of Kyoto; and step seats that resemble the banks of the Kamo River.
Taken together, all these features create a one-of-a-kind space where visitors can feel the modern traditions, as well as cultural flavor unique to Kyoto. In other words, a first-hand experience of the sophistication of modern art design.
A new hotel was born in Sanjo, Kyoto, a popular destination visited by many people as a base for sightseeing, business, and other activities. While letting visitors feel the long history and culture of the city, this hotel offers a smart and functional space, all the while utilizing the latest technology.
■Design concept/keywords are “irregularity,” “nostalgia,” and “gap”.
The façade, a contemporary take on the traditional machiya, is designed to retain a sense of the world, while gently controlling the view. A “noren” screen (Japanese curtain-like screen) was installed to invite guests into a simple and modern lobby.
As you enter, a huge touch screen appears in front of you, and an earthen floor leads you to an automatic check-in counter… A stress-free, streamlined flow line suddenly leads to a courtyard reproducing a lush mountain forest, giving you a magical sensation as if you were looking at a painting.
■The theme for the design of the main space is “learning from the past”.
Non-organic and modern industrial materials such as concrete and deck plates are mixed with materials and furnishings such as bare lighting and old wood big tables that are more than 100 years old from lumbering, thus expressing the passage of time with warmth and nostalgia, as well as a sense of renewal.
■Spatial Design: Sanjo’s “learning from the past”
For this project, GARDE has collaborated with an artist with a deep connection to Kyoto. The spatial theme was Sanjo’s “learning from the past”, a place where traditions and culture are alive and sound.
By allowing artworks and expressions to coexist in the space, GARDE has created a place that stimulates the sixth sense, which cannot be summed up in a single word “art space”.
◆Project Members
Arata Saito GARDE esign Division, Design Department, Design Director, First Class Registered Architect
After working mainly on brand-name design and construction projects in Tokyo, he joined the Asia Pacific Division of the Hong Kong office in 2013. Mainly working within China and Southeast Asia, he designed the VIP area of K11 in Guangzhou, China, The Royal Park Canvas – Ginza 8 etc. He was involved in a wide range hospitality spaces as well as commercial spaces. In 2020, he returned to the Tokyo Head Office and continues to work mainly on overseas projects.
After joining the company in 2016, he worked in the PM Section of the Brand Business Division, where he managed the interior design work for imported brands opening stores in Japan. In 2019, he joined the Design Section of the Brand Business Division, where he worked as a local architect for imported brands ranging from apparel to cosmetics. In 2021, joined the International Design Division, where he works as a designer on a variety of projects in Japan and abroad, focusing on apparel stores, large-scale commercial facilities, and hospitality design.
Artist #1. Nori Yokoyama Art Director/Graphic Designer
A 2017 graduate from Graphic Design Department of Tama Art University. In that same year, Yokoyama has Established TANT Inc.He has been active in a wide range of fields including print media, web, video and space, focusing on art direction, graphic design, and illustration. Over his career, he has received numerous awards including DFA Design for Asia Awards, GOOD DESIGN AWARD, and Tokyo Business Design Award. http://noriyokoyama.com/
●Comments from Mr. Yokoyama
Throughout Japan’s long history, Kyoto has especially been a symbol for Japanese culture.
In particular, the area around Sanjo is surrounded by great enthusiasm, where various cultures have long intersected with tradition as its base. It is a place that truly embodies the phrase “learning anew from the past,” and I wanted to paint a huge wall art that would convey this concept directly to visitors.
I printed, drew, collaged, and applied foil onto Kyo Washi, a Japanese paper. Calligraphy and art come from various historical backgrounds, and I included contemporary prints depicting entertainment and culture scenes, using popular paper, to reconstruct “Kyoto” as it was originally built: over a long period of time, and with an overwhelming amount of work.
Artist #2 Hitoshi Tetsuhiko ASSOCIATED ARTS INC. representative/art director
Established Associated Arts, Inc. in 1991.
Based on his unique perspective of fusing architecture and art, Tetsuhiko has participated in art projects for public facilities, housing complexes, offices, educational facilities, hotels, hospitals, sports facilities, commercial facilities, etc. He has been involved in more than 300 projects as a producer and art director. Major projects include “Akita Prefectural University,” “Shinagawa Central Garden,” “Keio Plaza Hotel Aubade Hall,” “Gora Karaku, Hakone,” and many more.
●Comment from Hitoshi
This artwork is based on Yurina Kira’s work “Stock213” and is customized for the theme of this exhibition by means of reconfiguration and resizing. The reason why we chose “building blocks” is that this shape makes us nostalgic for our childhood. On the other hand, we believe that piling up trees pays homage to the culture and city of Kyoto, which has existed for more than 1,000 years. This time, we used wood block art to represent the four deities that protect the north, south, east, and west of Kyoto (Genbu in the north, Suzaku in the south, Seiryu in the east, and Byakko in the west), as well as the Kyoto Imperial Palace. We hope that through our artwork, visitors will experience the wonder of Kyoto and the depth of Kyoto’s nostalgia, which respects cultural diversity while transforming the energy of each into equilibrium, harmony, and new values.
■Lobby/Restaurant Area Design: A mix of old and new, a space of difference, nostalgia, and separation
Gently reflecting on the Big Table, with a mosaic of old zelkova lumber more than 100 years old since its sawing, is the light from a chandelier made by LASVIT – a lighting fixture with a sculptural beauty created by traditional Bohemian crystal craftsmanship and innovative technology.
By meticulously calculating and accumulating the different snags and feels of the old and new in a beautiful mix, a unique space like no other has been created.
It is also GARDE’s hope that a new community will be nurtured from this place through the power of spatial design.
■Guest Room Design: A place for healing, it is the starting point of everyone’s stay in Kyoto.
The key visual effects by Prince Smart Inn brand are the sloping design on the floor and the interlocking wallpaper on the walls, designed to make the guestrooms look more spacious and stylish.
Additionally, the use of wallpaper with Higashiyama motifs gives guestrooms a Kyoto-Sanjo feel to it. GARDE has designed the rooms keeping in mind the theme of creating a space where guests can enjoy their stay in the historical city more actively than ever before, taking the simplicity of the rooms as a plus.
We hope that through our design, many people will come and go at Prince Smart Inn Kyoto Sanjo, and that this will become part of the new scenery (history) of Kyoto Sanjo and be written in its history.
◆ Prince Hotel “Prince Smart Inn Kyoto Sanjo”
This hotel is conveniently located in the center of Kyoto, an approximate 8-minute walk from Sanjo Station (Keihan Main Line), and a 5-minute walk from Kyoto Shiyakusho Mae Station ( Kyoto Municipal Subway Tozai Line).
The five-story guest room building has 137 guest rooms and is the next-generation hotel brand of Prince Hotel. It offers a modern machiya-style exterior, a contemporary and innovative lobby design with a Kyoto motif, and a seamless service through the introduction of ICT and AI technology.
This will be the second location in Kyoto City, following the Prince Smart Inn Kyoto Shijo Omiya, which opened on May 31, 2021.
◆About the Facilities
Official name: Prince Smart Inn Kyoto Sanjo
Location: 325 Maruya-cho, Sanjo-Agaru, Gokomachi-dori, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto City
Site area: approx. 1,025.83 m2
Legal gross floor area: approx. 4,149.73 m2
Structure and scale: Steel-frame structure, 5 floors above ground
Completion of construction: January 31, 2022
Number of guest rooms: 137 (105 twin rooms / 32 double rooms)
Guest room area: 16.27 m2 ～ 25.98 m2
Ancillary facilities: Restaurant (66 seats *including lobby area), Laundry
