L'Oréal Japan faced challenges such as a lack of cross-functional collaboration and division between business units as it expanded through the acquisition of various brands. As Ryota Tomimoto, Creative Director at The Design Studio K.K., explains, “It was an urgent task for us to create a new office environment that enhances the engagement of employees under the slogan of “ONE L’ORÉAL,” and maximises the group’s potential. Thus, the “Beauty Valley” was brought into being.
L'Oréal introduced the "Beauty Valley" office to enhance employee engagement under the "ONE L’ORÉAL" slogan. The new office not only fosters collaboration but also reflects L'Oréal’s commitment to sustainability, exemplified by its upcycling initiative, where 4,400 makeup products are repurposed into lighting shades and tiles.
The concept behind the office design was inspired by the shared philosophy of L'Oréal and Japanese culture, which cherishes authentic beauty. For L'Oréal, beauty extends beyond aesthetics, encompassing values such as Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (DE&I), sustainability, women’s empowerment, and innovation. Japan, serving as a strategic hub for innovation and inspiration, influenced the design of the new office. The four seasons became the core design concept, with an emphasis on craftsmanship and furniture that celebrates the essence of Japanese beauty.
L'Oréal selected Fritz Hansen products for their new office because the organic shapes, durability, and high-quality materials and timeless beauty of the furniture aligned perfectly with the project’s vision. As noted by Ryota Tomimoto, “It was a perfect place for the Fritz Hansen pieces to express their shapes and beautiful colours that are truly original." Throughout the many varied spaces, the soft organic curves found in Fritz Hansen’s design language create calm, inviting atmospheres.
What makes this project unique is L'Oréal’s focus on integrating beauty into the workplace. The new "Beauty Valley" was designed to surround employees with cosmetics, original graphics, and merchandise from each integrated brand, fostering a strong sense of identity and pride. The carefully curated interior design, including furniture and lighting, plays a pivotal role in creating an environment that reflects L'Oréal's diverse beauty.
L'Oréal's 'Beauty Valley' office has been recognised with multiple prestigious awards, including the Nikkei New Office Awards 2023, the Red Dot Design Award 2023, and the iF Design Award 2024.