Takeda Headquarters, Dubai

Located in the prestigious One Central Development in the Central Business District of Dubai World Trade Centre Authority (DWTCA), Takeda’s stunning new 2,075 square metre office was designed by Dubai-based interior design firm Roar, with project management by CBRE, and has been awarded the LEED silver certification from the USGBC. The design concept was based on traditional Japanese design philosophy with modern mathematical efficiency that is anchored in local culture. One of the main challenges during the construction was to keep the project on track amidst the outbreak of the coronavirus and new government regulations.

“We were half way through the Takeda office fit-out when the pandemic broke out,” says Nicola Trivett, Project Director, Summertown Interiors. “We had to act swiftly to make the necessary changes to our health and safety procedures on site to keep the project progressing in the safest way possible.”

Biophilia and natural materials, including wood and raw, exposed concrete are key to the workspace design, alongside the subtle inclusion of the corporate philosophy they term ‘Takeda-ism’ based on four values – integrity, fairness, honesty and perseverance. Highlights of the workspace include the boardroom, inspired by a Japanese tea house, and a reception modelled on the ‘genkan’ entrance hallway concept of a traditional Japanese home.

“We designed a space around three themes: Japanese values, Emirati culture and data-driven design,” says Pallavi Dean, Founder and Creative director of design firm Roar. “At one end of the spectrum it is very artistic and intuitive, drawing on concepts and materials, such as pared back minimalism with wood, raw concrete and paper, coupled with Emirati craftsmanship, such as khous hand weaving. At the other end, the space planning used sophisticated mathematical models to find the right mix of private, shared and public spaces.”