An R&D Field Where Sports and Work Intersect

This new innovation center was developed by Mizuno, Japan’s renowned comprehensive sports goods manufacturer, to accelerate and enhance their research and development cycle, termed “measure, prototype, try.” The center harmoniously complements the neighboring high-rise headquarters building (completed in 1992, designed by Nikken Sekkei). Together the manufacturing base gives the impression of a leap forward and reflects Mizuno’s dedication to creating societal value through sports.

Exposing the Highly Confidential Development Area with a Running Track

Central to the building is a running track, where athletes and researchers collaborate, conducting test runs and measurements. This track cuts through both the interior and exterior of the building. Typically, sports manufacturers place tracks inside enclosed spaces for measurement precision, but this project opens up a range of research activities to visitors.

Surrounding the track, various experimental areas featuring artificial turf, treadmills, and a gymnasium are accessible. From the sports bar located on the mezzanine floor, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of these activities. The entrance and sports bar, designed as venues for external engagement with the capacity for open presentations, are not isolated from R&D spaces with high security, but subtly separated by handrails and atriums. For Mizuno, a company expanding its sphere of activity from sports to all aspects of social life, this is the embodiment of an open R&D environment aimed to stimulate external collaboration.

A Cohesive Space Vibrant with the Pulse of Sports

The low-rise innovation center is composed only of two floors, the experimental floor on the ground level and the work floor above. They are interconnected by the sports bar, a communication space on the intermediate floor. This setup creates a flowing continuity throughout the building. The atrium above the central running track allows the sounds and sensations of movement to resonate through the structure. Baseball or golf on the artificial turf, and various sports in the gymnasium are directly observable from the work floor.

This cohesive environment integrating sports and work cultivates personal connections and allows for a rapid “measure, prototype, try” cycle.

A “Workshop” Floor for Heavy-duty Use

The second-floor work area is the central stage for research and development, serving as a workshop dedicated to the trial and error of manufacturing processes. The entire floor operates on a free-address system, fostering interaction and connections among researchers from diverse disciplines, as well as between sales and administrative personnel. To endure heavy use, floors are finished in concrete and ceilings are left exposed, creating a rustic and strong space. This design also helps to enhance the vibrant colors of Mizuno products. The rugged, workshop-like environment is expected to stir up the enjoyment of sports and stimulate new ideas among researchers.

In the center of the work floor is the “Center Court,” using high sidelights for natural lighting and ventilation. In consideration of energy conservation and Business Continuity Planning (BCP), soft natural light and air are actively incorporated. Furthermore, rainwater collected on the roof is retained and repurposed for flushing toilets and plant irrigation.

Broadening Mizuno’s Community Engagement with the Headquarters Building

Workers frequently traverse between the neighboring high-rise headquarters and the low-rise innovation center. The two buildings are interconnected via walkways to the Asia and Pacific Trade Center (ATC), Osaka Prefectural Government Sakishima Building, and the Automated Guideway Transit (AGT) line station. At these walkway junctions, open spaces are created, not only to provide relaxation and refreshment for workers, citizens, and tourists, but also to serve as exhibition spaces for Mizuno’s activities, allowing for direct observation of the outdoor measurement areas.

The building’s exterior embodies the speed and dynamic nature of sports through diagonally installed siding and a rhythmically changing color scheme for the siding caps, creating an energetic image. At the entrance, overlooking the sports bar and experimental floor, a dramatic 9-meter bouldering wall is positioned to surprise visitors. Visitors can explore the company history in the archive gallery on the first floor of the headquarters, then witness ongoing experiments at the innovation center's entrance and sports bar.

Project name: Innovation Center MIZUNO ENGINE
Purpose: Research Institute
Location (prefecture, city): Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture
Site area (m2): 15,539.94
Total floor area (m2): 6,559.45
Number of floors: 2 above-ground
Eave height/maximum height (m): 11.45/16.45
Main structure: Steel Structure

Client name: Mizuno Corporation
Lead architect: NIKKEN SEKKEI LTD
Main scope: Concept design, schematic design, design development, and site supervision
JV, joint design, supervision, consulting, etc.: KOKUYO CO., LTD. (Partial furniture and interior design)
Construction Contractor: Obayashi Corporation

Photo credit 1: Shinji Kihara [Shinwa]
Photo credit 2: Nacása & Partners
Photo credit 3: NIKKEN SEKKEI