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Haga-Utsunomiya LRT
total design

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Haga Utsunomiya Light Rail Transit (LRT) (by Utsunomiya Light Rail Co., Ltd.) was the first case of a light rail transportation system that was newly constructed in Japan. In this LRT project, GK Sekkei was responsible for total design in collaboration with GK Industrial Design and GK Graphics, covering visual design (VI), train body, and stations. The line is considered the main axis to rebuild the area into a super smart city in the future to grow out of the motorized society with consideration of the environment and accessibility.
The design concept was “Thunder Capital to the Future.” We took part in the project from formulating the concept taking into consideration lightning and ears of rice contributing to the rich environment of the Haga Utsunomiya region and its nickname of Thunder Capital. GK expends energy to create people’s consciousness to think about the future of their local area through LRT. For this purpose, we proposed a people’s participation plan to help people recognize the presence of LRT and think proudly of it. In addition to visible designs, it will become increasingly important for a total design to develop local identity, forge local consciousness and pride among the people concerned.
 
GK Industrial Design website
GK Graphics website

Revamp of Traffic Control Room

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New work system for the Traffic Control Room. It is used to supervise the system so that the traffic on the expressway will not stagnate 24 hours a day and 365 days a year. With the concept of Natural Living, operation desks are laid out each functions for various tasks, and light and sound are controlled in the room to facilitate communication among controlling members. User Interfaces (UI) and User Experiences (UX) for data processing are devised for large display screens connecting the control room with various scenes on the expressway, as well as real time data. We designed the new control room in total.

Lumada Innovation Hub Tokyo VI and Spatial Design Project

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Lumada Innovation Hub Tokyo was established by Hitachi, Ltd. and started as a collaboration site that brings diversified human and financial resources and places together to create innovation through digital transformation (DX). The creative activities which are induced everywhere within the facility can be compared to the “Scenes in and around the Capital,” a 700-year-old art piece that depicts the origination and development of city culture in Kyoto; therefore, we took the Suyari-gasumi or hazes in the shape of clouds drawn horizontally, a technique used in Yamatoe painting to connect different contexts into one, as a motif in planning the space and VI centering on signages.
GK took charge of design and art direction for everything from the spatial structure using the lighting and coloring of the facility, GUI on displays, and staff uniforms. By employing Suyari-gasumi in different forms all over the place, we created a coherent atmosphere that loosely ties in the customers and Hitachi in their collaboration.

→GK Graphics website

TOKYO BRT total design

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Tokyo Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) is a total design project that connects the central Tokyo and coastal area to address the increased traffic demand and support local and economic revitalizations. Tokyo BRT is scheduled to start full operation in 2022, and provisional operation started on October 1, 2020. In the area of total design, GK Sekkei leads the project and designs the bus body, bus stops and PR media material including the symbol together with GK Industrial Design and GK Graphics.

GK Industrial Design website
GK Graphics website

“HINOTORI” Kintetsu 80000series

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The exterior form represents the sense of dignity and speed befitting Meihan Express. The elegant deep red external color was achieved by triple-layer metallic coating. As for the interior design, the premium high deck cabin, which has three seats with real leather lining per row, is placed on the first carriage. Every seat on all the carriages employs a back shell that eliminates the stress caused due to reclining. The name and logotype express the quality traveling experience and vehicle. (ID)
 
GK Industrial Design website

YAMAHA WaverRunner SuperJet

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SuperJet, a stand-up-type personal watercraft (PWC), which has been popular since its release in the early years of PWC was completely redesigned for the first time in 30 years. Based on the concept of “Elemental x Fine Muscle,” its style aims at delivering three different qualities: “Fighter,” which represents the power to overcome in racing scenes or against raging waves; “Rapid Speed,” which gives the perfect control over lean-in turns; and “Lightweight,” which highlights vitality. It has been well received in global market since its release.

“SEA PASEO” cruise ferry

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Together with the in-house project team at Setonaikaikisen Inc., we conducted a co-creation workshop to develop a new state of the ferry as marine traffic. SEA PASEO aims to become “a moving marine park which is open to everyone” and possesses two different characters: as a means of traffic for the people in the Inland Sea living sphere, and as an experiencing device that brings a new fun activity into the tourism in the area.
To realize such an idea, with a concept of “Park on the SETONAIKAI to enjoy traveling together,” the cruiseferry incorporated the unique feature of a ferry, which is being a relaxing place like a park where the passengers can enjoy the scenic beauty of Setonaikai National Park, as various physically sensible tricks. (DSH)

Presentation of conceptual design for new-generation business-class aircraft seat

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Mock-Up Display for Aircraft Interiors EXPO (AIX) 2018 in Hamburg
 
We jointly developed a mockup seat for AIX with the concept “Spread Your Wings,” aiming to present the next-generation of standard aircraft business-class seats. The combination of a triangular extension area adjacent to the seat, the three-stage movable center divider, and the unique seating arrangement produces a flexible space with a lateral expanse which accommodates various body positions. Because of the ease in changing the seat arrangement, the model also offers a selective advantage for airline companies, as they can provide a seat space that meets a variety of passenger needs.
 
GK Industrial Design website

“F425A” outboard motor

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F425A is a new V8 outboard motor which supports offshore boats in the North American market. It employs a multi-part engine cowl, a sleek surface that derives the wholeness, and a signature shape that creates a striking contrast of light and shadow in the effort to showcase the absolute trust and safety that Yamaha has won over its brand history. The structure of this exterior unit improves the color customizability, maintainability, and riggability. In addition to these features, a white color that matches the boat itself has been added to meet the increasingly variable wants of the customers. (Kyoto)
 
→GK Kyoto website

Signage project for Marunouchi Hotel

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We managed a signage renewal project for Marunouchi Hotel, one of the most prestigious hotels established in 1924. In reviewing the signage plan, we reconstituted the hotel’s heritage asset with the hotel manager and staff in an effort to develop the concept of “Japanese hospitality through shared appreciation of seasonal changes.” Based on the Japanese culture of offering hospitality to guests by utilizing seasonal changes, the hotel staff welcome their guests using signage with seasonal artworks, which can be replaced manually, to set up a mechanism where the staff can regularly make a fresh start, and interior arrangements are refreshed.
 
→GK Graphics website