(0,0,0) Studio Genten Office by KOKUYO: A Cutting-Edge Hub for Digital Fabrication in Minato City

KOKUYO’s (0,0,0) Studio Genten Office, located in Minato City, Tokyo, represents a bold step toward the future of digital fabrication, workspace innovation, and sustainable design. Completed in 2022 and spanning 145 m², this experimental office space is situated within THE CAMPUS, KOKUYO’s own multifunctional hub. Designed to foster rapid prototyping, creativity, and local production, the studio exemplifies the intersection of design, technology, and sustainability in modern Japanese architecture.

A Digital Fabrication Hub for Creative Prototyping

At its core, (0,0,0) is more than an office — it’s a fabrication laboratory. Developed as a platform to explore the unknowns of next-generation manufacturing, the space serves as a dynamic environment where ideas are rapidly transformed into physical objects. Central to this mission is the ShopBot, a 3-axis CNC woodworking machine that allows for real-time prototyping without the need for traditional molds.

The studio’s name, “(0,0,0)”, is derived from the X, Y, and Z coordinate system — the origin point in 3D modeling — symbolizing the starting point of creation. It reflects KOKUYO’s intention to initiate a new era of design by eliminating boundaries between makers and users, and by promoting a culture of hands-on experimentation.

Collaborative Furniture Design and Digital Craftsmanship

In collaboration with VUILD, a company specializing in digital fabrication, KOKUYO’s team has developed a series of experimental furniture prototypes that blend prefabricated parts with custom wooden components. These pieces reimagine traditional office furniture by embracing versatility and creative adaptation.

One standout example is a hybrid chair, made by attaching a CNC-cut wooden seat onto a swivel base. The same system was adapted to create a lamp and a planter — demonstrating modular thinking and multifunctional design. Other experiments include bellows-style tables made from slitted wooden boards, showcasing the precision bendingcapabilities of the ShopBot and the potential of CNC tools for aesthetic and functional innovation.

Art, Architecture, and Identity

A visually striking feature of the studio is a large-scale wooden installation that wraps around a column within the space. Composed of over 1,000 CNC-cut wood pieces, the artwork incorporates the “C” from THE CAMPUS identity and evokes a parasitic structure that grows within and upon the architecture. This piece symbolizes the organic spread of digital manufacturing and the studio’s role as a catalyst for new ideas.

Promoting Sustainability and Local Production

In addition to fostering creativity, (0,0,0) aims to support environmental sustainability through local production for local consumption. By using digitally transferable design data, KOKUYO can collaborate with fabrication partners across Japan, reducing transportation emissions and supporting regional economies.

The use of thinned wood and locally sourced timber ties the project to forestry conservation efforts, helping to revitalize Japan’s forests while providing sustainable building materials. This approach aligns with broader trends in sustainable architecture, circular design, and green manufacturing.

All the photographs are works of Keishin Horikoshi / SS Inc.