Yasuyuki KAWANISHI + ICHIBANSEN / nextstations
​川西 康之 + 株式会社イチバンセン 一級建築士事務所 / ネクストステーションズ

AI consultant Co., Ltd., a company deeply rooted in Shimanto City and dedicated to supporting the safety and daily life of the local community, has renovated a former electronics retail store near Nakamura Station to establish its new headquarters.

Designed under the theme of “An Open Office for the Community,” the new building carries forward the spirit of the previous office nestled in nature, serving as a place that grows together with the town.

The existing building’s distinctive rooftop tower and equipment were removed, while an open glass façade reveals the vibrancy of the interior to the surrounding streetscape. Inside, locally sourced materials such as hinoki cypress, Tosa plaster, and Japanese paper create shared spaces filled with soft light and natural texture. At the heart of the space, a long communal counter serves as a hub for communication— fostering interaction not only among employees but also with local residents.

Rather than dividing the workspace with walls, the layout utilizes differences in ceiling height to subtly define areas. Tosa plaster finishes on walls and ceilings softly diffuse the natural light, creating a calm and comfortable atmosphere. The floor features hinoki wood flooring that brings warmth and a gentle fragrance to the office. Shelving made of steel grids and hinoki mimics the layered scenery of the Shimanto River’s forest, gently filtering sightlines and forming an open yet serene working environment.

Through the interplay of regional materials, natural light, and human presence, a new office space embodying the spirit of Shimanto has been born.