m HOLD'EM is a Texas Hold'em-based poker bar founded by Sammy, a Japanese pachinko/pachislot and other entertainment manufacturer.

Poker in Japan was not yet a very major game, nor was it common as a type of competition. The image of poker as "gambling" or "casino" has remained strong, partly due to the influence of movies and other media. Our client considered poker as a kind of mind sport like chess, Shogi, or Othello.

This space aimed to establish poker as a mind sport in Japan, while at the same time freeing it from the stereotypes of "gambling," "casinos," and "Las Vegas" that are associated with poker in Japan.

Creativity & Sustainability
So we were inspired by the fact that in the 1950s and 1960s, chess and other mind sport competitions were held in hotel lobbies and other venues.

The hotel lobby should always be a space with contemporary art and interior design that symbolizes each era and expresses the atmosphere of that era. At the same time, we also believed that it should be a social gathering place for the people of each era.

In this time, when we try to create a social gathering place like a hotel lobby that expresses the atmosphere of its era, the elements of modern interior creation are deeply connected to sustainability.

The interior design utilizes the concrete structure of the building as much as possible, while placing the reception desk, bar, poker table, etc. with the minimum of necessary elements, and composing the space without building walls or other structures as much as possible.

In these blank spaces, sofas for relaxing, plants, artwork, etc. are scattered as movable objects. The sofas can be separated from the steel frame, cushions, and reinforcing belts, and each part can be disposed of separately.

Lighting and electrical wiring are installed and wired using steel pipes, lightweight steel frames, and bolts, and are designed to be dismantled with each component without the use of adhesives as much as possible. This was also done to avoid the generation of as much industrial waste as possible when the store is closed.

A part of the traditionally designed bar is parasitically installed with a contemporary artwork using light bulbs and glass by the Japanese art collective "GEL CHOP", which brings a contrast to the space.

Most of the other artwork in the store is based on "playing card" or "poker" motifs, and the spade, heart, diamond, and clover symbols interpreted by each artist are installed throughout the store, which is also attractive. Floor lamps were created by "magma".

The facade, which can be seen through glass from the street, was created with artwork by "TOYA HORIUCHI" with elements of neon signs and billboards from Japanese cities.

Artworks by artists have value from the moment they are created and have universal value. We believe it is also sustainable to use artists' artwork in places where it is necessary for creation, and to create spaces where nothing is thrown away.

Functionality & Innovation
The main purpose of the design is to create a future audience for the game, and to establish poker as a mind sport in Japanese culture. At the same time, it must be a comfortable place for traditional poker fans.

At the entrance, there will be a counter with a cashless payment system that will allow all customers to pass through and enjoy a stress-free poker and dining experience.

The bar near the entrance has a counter where customers can receive detailed instruction on the rules of poker while enjoying a meal or a drink. The top of the counter quotes the details of a poker table, with drink holders and armrest cushions.

We designed the zoning to separate the poker tables for beginners from those for advanced players, flanking the counter. This allows both players to play comfortably, while at the same time creating a sense of admiration towards the more advanced players and a spirit of challenge for the beginners.

The floor around the bar, which is easily stained, is composed of mosaic tiles, and words related to poker are designed on the tiles. The lighting in the store is designed around fluorescent LED lights that are adjustable for dimming and color control.

And above each poker table, there are lights with symbolically printed alphabets that provide effective lighting and smooth customer service for the staff. The red and blue square lighting in the store is linked to the locks on the restroom doors, allowing players to check the availability of each table as they sit at it.

Interactive projection mapping projectors are installed above the three beginner tables, which react to the player's movements and to the symbols and numbers on the playing cards, and the tabletop images take action.

We have designed a system that uses functionality and innovation for players to understand poker, creativity to spread the joy of poker, and sustainability to keep it going for a long time.

For poker to take root in Japan as a culture.