Washi Weaves “Circle” and “Cycle”
Sustainable Space Art Inspired by the Concept of “Wakka”

In office environments, art panels are evolving from mere decoration into powerful expressions of corporate values and local identity. Especially for companies that champion diversity, co-creation, and sustainability, there is a growing demand for art that holds meaning, not just visual appeal. In this project, as part of an office renovation, wall art themed around “wakka” (circle, ring, or connection) was introduced. INCROCCE translated this concept into visual form by blending Niigata’s traditional craftsmanship with a forward-looking ethos—using hand-crafted washi paper and sustainable materials to represent the harmony between heritage and innovation.

Property Overview

Name｜NEC Solution Innovators Niigata Center
Location｜Niigata Prefecture
Client｜Semba Co., Ltd.
Direction｜Semba Co., Ltd.
Display｜INCROCCE Co., Ltd.
Scope｜Planning and production of art panels
Installation Area｜Corridor walls adjacent to meeting rooms
Display Format｜Wall-mounted art panels using washi and ethical materials
Completion｜2025

Property Details and Spatial Concept

Each meeting room was assigned a unique color name, and the spatial design was required to represent themes such as workforce diversity, co-creation with the local community, and circular thinking. The client requested a symbolic design that could visually communicate a “shared ring” linking employees and customers. Moreover, they expressed a strong preference for the use of Oguni washi—a traditional material from Niigata—to emphasize regional identity and support local craftsmanship. The goal was to blend these cultural and conceptual elements seamlessly into the space without compromising functionality.

Interior Design Challenges

The project posed several challenges: to maintain the practical function of the meeting room corridor while expressing the company’s vision of co-creation and diversity; to highlight the use of local materials like Oguni washi in a way that felt authentic and not overly assertive; and to ensure that all design elements would harmonize naturally within the overall office environment without appearing forced or ornamental.

Our Proposal

INCROCCE proposed a series of “color rings” corresponding to the seven different meeting room themes. Each installation symbolized interpersonal connection and the diversity that bridges the region and the future. The panels were created using locally sourced Oguni washi as the main visual element, combined with ethical materials such as recycled PET felt. To enhance sustainability and sensory comfort, each panel was mounted on a diatomaceous earth-coated base, providing a finish that is both tactile and naturally humidity-regulating.

Installation and Technical Execution

The washi paper used in the panels was hand-crafted in Oguni, Niigata Prefecture. Each artwork featured components such as sustainable felt accents, panels made of natural materials, and solid wood frames. The panels were installed at regular intervals along the corridor wall to create the appearance of floating. Color design was carefully orchestrated to match the symbolic tones of the seven meeting room themes, blending washi dye techniques with felt materials for a coherent and elegant visual effect.

Outcome and Client Response

The client gave high praise for how clearly the installation conveyed both NEC’s corporate philosophy and its deep-rooted connection to regional culture. The final result was more than an aesthetic addition—it became a meaningful and tangible expression of values that resonated with employees, visitors, and the broader community alike.