NEWS/EVENTS

BASSDRUM is pleased to announce that our tech director, Qanta Shimizu, will become managing director of the Japanese subsidiary of ‘jangled nerves’, a German spatial experience design agency based in Stuttgart. The subsidiary is set to launch in September 2025.

Bringing stories to life through experiential space design

jangled nerves was founded in 1998 by two architects, Prof. Thomas Hundt and Ingo Zirngibl. With a foundation in architectural expertise, the agency has become known for designing immersive experiences that seamlessly blend interactive technology, media expression, and cinematic direction.

From museums and exhibitions to brand showrooms, expo pavilions, and corporate events, jangled nerves has earned a reputation for infusing space with story, creating tailored experiences across a wide range of scales and sectors. Their global portfolio includes experience centers for Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, and Porsche; international trade fair booths for DMG MORI; and the Luxembourg Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, with technical support provided by BASSDRUM.

Guided by the philosophy “we create immersive experiences of all shapes and sizes,” jangled nerves continues to blur the boundaries between space, media, and communication to craft experiences that move people.

Left: Luxembourg Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka　Photo by Wataru Aoyama © BASSDRUM
Right: Pfahlbauten Museum Unteruhldingen　© Adrian Alexander | jangled nerves

Background of the Japanese subsidiary launch

In response to growing demand for projects across Asia and rapid advancements in spatial and digital expression, jangled nerves established a subsidiary in Shanghai, China in 2019. There, the agency has worked on a wide range of projects, including commercial facilities and exhibition spaces, deepening its understanding of the region’s needs and potential. Building on these experiences, jangled nerves is now set to launch a new subsidiary in Tokyo. This expansion will further strengthen its presence in Asia, following its bases in Stuttgart and Shanghai. Qanta Shimizu of BASSDRUM will serve as managing director of the Japanese subsidiary.

Synergy between BASSDRUM and jangled nerves

BASSDRUM is Japan’s first tech director collective, bringing together top-tier technical specialists active both domestically and internationally. The collective plays a key role as a “technical director” from the early planning phase of each project, bridging technology and creative expression. Their work spans a wide range of domains, including the design of experiential systems for large-scale commercial spaces, collaborative technology development with major manufacturers, the creation of interactive content using AI and XR, and R&D-driven prototyping.

The establishment of jangled nerves Japan will create an integrated structure that enables seamless design and implementation across all phases, including concept development, spatial design, system architecture, and interactive expression. By combining the strengths of both teams, the partnership is expected to generate new forms of value such as:

　・ Designing multifaceted experiences that integrate spatial, architectural, interactive, and visual elements
　・ Supporting R&D and prototyping through the integration of architecture and technology
　・ Building and strengthening a joint Japan–Germany proposal and execution framework for global clients and the European market
　・ Advancing business development and localization across Asia in collaboration with jangled nerves china

Statements from the Representatives

◼️ Qanta Shimizu　(Managing Director, jangled nerves japan / Tech Director, BASSDRUM)
"The fusion of digital and physical was once seen as a groundbreaking idea. Today, the two are inseparable, and the place where they come together is physical space. Rooted in the Bauhaus tradition, jangled nerves has led the way in integrating digital technology into spatial experiences.
At BASSDRUM, we have pursued new forms of creation grounded in the spirit of Japanese craftsmanship. Through this collaboration across national and disciplinary boundaries, our two teams are taking on a new challenge to help shape the future of spatial design."

◼️ Thomas Hundt　(CEO and Co-Founder, jangled nerves)
Our collaboration began with the Luxembourg Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka. Working closely together on-site, we found that our shared values helped build a strong foundation of trust. We are pleased that this relationship has evolved into a joint venture, allowing us to embark on new projects across Japan and Europe. The phrase “be jangled” reflects our attitude of embracing different cultures and fresh perspectives with curiosity and passion. We are excited to move forward together with jangled nerves japan in that same spirit.

About jangled nerves

Founded in Stuttgart, Germany, jangled nerves is a spatial experience design agency that fuses architectural expertise with media expression to transform space itself into a stage for immersive storytelling.
The agency specializes in designing emotionally engaging experiences across diverse environments such as brand showrooms, world expo pavilions, exhibitions, and museums. Its strength lies in seamlessly integrating architecture, installations, film, and interactive elements into cohesive spatial narratives. From concept development and design to project management, jangled nerves provides comprehensive support throughout the entire creative process.
https://janglednerves.com

For inquiries, please send us a message from the contact page on this website.