Supporting cultural awareness in the workplace can take many forms, but one powerful approach is to create multi-sensory experiences that connect employees to the local culture. Going beyond visual design to include soundscapes, scents, local art, and tactile elements brings cultural nuances to life in a way that’s immersive and memorable.
In one project at a technology company’s Tokyo office, the interior design drew inspiration from local nature, and the office itself overlooks the lush, historic Imperial Palace gardens. To deepen the experience, a subtle scent strategy, inspired by Japan’s forests, was introduced. This scent complements ambient soundscapes designed around the Japanese concept of Kokoro, which embodies heart, mind, and spirit. These use local natural sounds and reflect cultural values: Heart is designed for bodily health and is used in active areas; Mind incorporates calming elements and supports cognition; and Spirit uses Japanese musical instruments and harmonies in welcome areas, giving a sense of warmth and heritage.
On projects like these we’ve heard comments like, “It feels like home”, which is really the essence of what this sensorial, cultural approach to workplace experience can do: Create emotional connections, pride and beautiful experiences that make cultural awareness an integral part of people’s work environments.
