Rethinking Outdoor Workspaces: A Concept Story

At Utemaru, many of our projects begin with a simple observation: spaces full of potential that could offer more to the people who use them every day.
This was exactly the case with a recently renovated office environment featuring a generous outdoor area for its tenants. Recognizing the opportunity to enhance this space, we reached out to explore how it could be transformed into something more functional, inspiring, and connected to nature.

From First Impressions to First Ideas

After an initial meeting, it was clear there was strong alignment. The team showed genuine interest in our approach—particularly our focus on designing for people and plants, rather than emphasizing biodiversity elements like animal habitats, which are less suited for office environments.

This direction allowed us to tailor the concept specifically to the needs of professionals using the space daily.

Designing for Everyday Use

Our goal was to create an outdoor environment that seamlessly integrates into the workday. The design concepts focused on:

• Comfortable areas for informal outdoor meetings

• Quiet corners for phone calls

• Inviting spaces for lunch breaks

• Flexible seating for short moments of rest

We wanted the space to feel like a natural extension of the office—encouraging people to step outside without disconnecting from their workflow.

Iteration and Visualization
Through several design iterations, we refined the concept into a cohesive vision. To bring it to life, we developed detailed renderings that showcased how the space could look and feel once realized.

These visualizations weren’t requested—but for us, they are an essential part of storytelling. They help bridge the gap between idea and experience.

When Timing Gets in the Way

Despite the strong creative alignment, the project ultimately did not move forward due to a tight timeline that we couldn’t accommodate.

While that’s always a difficult outcome, it’s also part of the process. Not every project reaches execution—but every collaboration builds relationships and opens doors.

As the client shared:
“I really really liked your designs and their creativity. Really a shame we couldn’t make it work. I will definitely call you if we need to renovate our space to move forward with your designs.”

Looking Ahead

We see this as the beginning of a conversation rather than the end of one. The vision we developed remains a strong example of how outdoor office spaces can be reimagined—placing human experience and natural elements at the center.
And we’re always ready for the next opportunity to bring these ideas to life.