nendo engraves intricate patterns of pokémon cards into new office's organic arrangement

pokemon trading cards take over nendo’s new office design

Nendo has designed a new office for Creatures Inc. — one of the three companies that originated Pokémon. For this project, the team used an abstract vocabulary that derives from the Pokémon Trading Card Game, letting the intricate pattern do the talking. With the aid of a laser cutter, they engraved an interpretation of Pokémon Cards in their original size onto a 2.3 mm thick steel sheet. ‘The cards are manufactured by first printing a large sheet with a constellation of elaborate designs, which is then cut into small pieces of 63 mm width by 88 mm length,’ explained the design team.

The result sees a scheme dominated by these cards, which are positioned in such a way as to replace the actual walls, as well as to create a subtle visual communication between the spaces. ‘After being cut out into the card shape, each piece was bent manually at twelve different angles so as to control the users’ views while adding texture to the space.’

all images Takumi Ota

The Tokyo and Milan-based design studio undertook the plans for the client’s new office, including the entrance and meeting spaces. Creatures Inc. engages mostly in the development of Pokémon Trading Card Game, digital games, 3D modeling, and motion design of Pokémon. Thus, the final interior design of the project came intrinsically with this elaborate pattern.

‘Since its release in October 1996, Pokémon Trading Card Game has long been loved by fans worldwide. What makes the cards so special is that every piece is filled with creative ideas with a touch of emotional value.’ To add a sense of exploring, apart from the normal card designs, they also incorporated nine types of Energy cards as ‘secret items,’ each hidden in the interior.

Curved configuration and open-plan layout

The plan goes beyond a traditional office space filled with rectangular tables and box-like rooms. Unlike this arrangement, Nendo opted for an interior characterized by curves and organic walls, creating a natural flow within the space. The organic forms add extra functionality, as they allow users to adjust the layout according to the meeting format or the number of participants.

‘The concept was inspired by the story behind the multiple organic shapes incorporated into the original logo of Creatures Inc. It expressed how living beings evolved by adapting to the environment or circumstances and how the company aims to keep being like them. The design is the outcome of striving to reflect such sentiment in the office environment.’

Nendo carved Pokémon Cards in their original size onto a 2.3 mm thick steel sheet