AOYAMA GLOBAL TREEHOUSE
In 2017, three CEOs came together and expressed their shared concern: Japan, once a leader in technological innovation, was lagging behind other nations. The working culture had become increasingly strenuous with limited concern over mental wellbeing. These CEOs —decided to create a space that was uniquely designed to prompt new behaviors, increase collaboration, and challenge old patterns. They called this space Treehouse.
What began as a new kind of creative office space built from the ground up in Tokyo, Japan—one surrounded by nature where people could work and expand their minds—became the impetus to invite, train, and connect a thriving community of leaders dedicated to changing what innovation could look like and support in Japanese society.
A team of designers and strategists was invited to help unpack this concept and push their thinking further. In partnership with the Treehouse founders and development partners, we arrived at a shared belief in what Treehouse could become: a global community of leaders dedicated to “mindfitness” and innovation. Once aligned, the team helped the Treehouse team create a brand that captured the natural tensions of self-discovery and expansive connection; tradition and innovation; and structure and chaos. We then developed an innovation curriculum to help teams unlock their most creative thinking and disrupt the status-quo. In addition, we designed a self-guided curriculum to encourage collaboration and to build new leadership skills.
Inspired by Zen Buddhist teachings and research on the 12 essential moments necessary for innovation to arise, Global Treehouse sprouted as the first “Mindfitness” training space for the next generation of global leaders in Japan, and the world.
Treehouse was founded on the idea that creativity together with Mindfulness can solve society’s biggest problems. After having developed the creativity curriculum in 2018, it was now time to explore the Mindfitness experience for members.
Drawing from five lectures by Masamichi Yamada, Treehouses’s founder and spiritual leader, the team created a prototype experience for members that would introduce them to the concept of Mindfulness, guide them through their first meditation, and equip them with the necessary tools and resources to continue their practice at home. We tested this prototype with student groups from local universities as well as Treehouse staff. Our deliverables included an introductory presentation, a script for guides leading a meditation session, as well as a guidebook and journal for each member to aid deeper into their own practice.
Our work helped complete the member offering and prepared Treehouse for its scheduled opening in early 2020. By creating this experience we amplified Yamada-san’s teaching to be more accessible and approachable for a wider audience.
