Embodied Attention · Spatial Research
Spaces that engage
the body, not just the eye
the body, not just the eye
Applied research on bodily perception to design, creating environments that envelop people. We design spaces where light, scale, the tactile quality of materials, and sound act on the body before they reach conscious thought.
The Science
What is Embodied
Attention?
Attention?
Embodied attention refers to the way the whole body, not just the eyes, responds to a space. This includes how spatial proportions influence breathing, how the texture of materials shifts posture, and how acoustic properties regulate arousal and states of concentration.
Conventional design has largely focused on visual aesthetics. However, neuroscience research suggests that more than 80% of our spatial experience is processed through non-visual sensory pathways. These include proprioception, thermal environmental changes, tactile feedback, and spatial awareness through the vestibular sense.
In environments where quality is demanded down to the finest detail, this distinction matters. It is what separates a space that merely photographs well from one that fundamentally transforms how people feel, think, and behave.
About the Studio
Research-Driven
Spatial Design.
Spatial Design.
Atelier α is a research studio based in Tokyo and Zürich. We explore how space acts on the whole body, not just the eyes.
Through an interdisciplinary approach spanning architecture, neuroscience, and psychophysics, we create spaces that people experience deeply and bodily, environments of genuine immersion.
Our Services
01
Research & Spatial Analysis
We analyse existing spaces through the lens of Embodied Attention. We map sensory stimuli, human movement patterns, and psychological and physiological responses to identify where a space is not functioning at its full potential.
02
Embodied Attention Framework Development
We build a bespoke design framework for each project. Drawing on research, we define how light, proportion, materiality, acoustics, and thermal environment should interact and act upon the body.
03
Design Proposals
We translate research findings into concrete, actionable design guidelines for architectural teams, including circadian-informed lighting plans, acoustic environment design, and tactile material selection.
04
Implementation Support
We collaborate with architects and designers from design through construction, ensuring that the principles of embodied response are faithfully carried through into the built space.
05
Post-Occupancy Evaluation
After completion, we measure the effectiveness of the space through indicators such as occupant stress levels, behavioural patterns of use, and subjective well-being assessments, enabling ongoing verification and improvement.
Who We Serve
Premium Spaces, Measured Impact
Luxury Hotels, Resorts & Vacation Villas
By mastering the invisible elements of luxury, acoustics, thermal gradients, and spatial flow that works on the subconscious, we create singular environments that command record valuations.
Luxury Residential Development
We design the invisible dimensions of luxury, acoustic environment, subtle shifts in thermal conditions, and unconscious spatial flow, to create iconic spaces and enhance asset value.
High-End Private Residences
We design residences for the most discerning clients, spaces where proportion, light, and materiality align seamlessly with the body's natural responses, creating an unrivalled sense of repose.
Talent
The Team
Erina Shibagaki
Masters, University of Tokyo
Education
M.Arch / Yoshiyuki Kawazoe Lab / The University of Tokyo
B.Arch / Masahiro Harada Lab / Shibaura Institute of Technology, Tokyo
Experience
KUME SEKKEI Co., Ltd — Architectural Designer
OÜ HG Arhitektuur, Tallinn, Estonia — internship
Kei Kaiho Architectural Design Office, Tokyo — part-time
Corals, Inc., NY, USA — part-time
Awards & Activities
Red Brick Graduation Design Award
Barrierless City Award & Competition
Campus Venture Grand Prix Tokyo 2022
GOOD DESIGN NEW HOPE AWARD 2024
EAST–EAST 5 (Lithuania) — Japan delegation member
Susana dos Santos
PhD Candidate, University of Tokyo
Education
PhD Candidate, The University of Tokyo, Japan
M.Sc. Architecture, FAAULP — Thesis: The Light of the Shadow
Experience
Architect, Atelier L'Agnès, Zurich, Switzerland — Independent
Architect, Kräuchi Architekten BSA, Basel, Switzerland
Founder, COO, Mentes Flutuantes, Porto, Portugal
Grants, Awards, Activities
JST SPRING Program, The University of Tokyo — "Advanced Human Resource Development Leading Green Transformation (GX)" Project
International Competition Master Thesis, Social Innovation Award, Future Ideas, Netherlands
International Competition, Honourable Mention, Icarch, USA
Poster presentation, Arts Engagement and Aesthetic Experience – Bridging the Gap between Arts and Science, ETH, Ascona
Basilea, Performance with Isabel Lewis, ArtBasel, Basel
Connect with us
Feel free to reach out about your project. We begin by listening to the challenges and vision about your space, then explore how the lens of Embodied Attention can bring it to life.
Following an initial analysis, we will prepare a clear proposal outlining scope and fees as needed. Projects proceed only upon your approval, so please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Following an initial analysis, we will prepare a clear proposal outlining scope and fees as needed. Projects proceed only upon your approval, so please do not hesitate to get in touch.
How It Works
01
Describe Your Project
Tell us about your space, your goals, and the experience you want to create. No commitment — we'll assess whether embodied attention design is the right approach.
02
Receive an Assessment
Our team reviews your project and provides an initial embodied attention analysis with clear next steps and a tailored scope of work.
03
Review & Approve
We present a detailed proposal with transparent pricing. Work begins only after your approval.
04
Experience the Difference
From research through implementation, we guide the process to deliver a space that engages the body, not just the eye.
atelierα
Embodied attention research applied to spatial design.
© 2026 Atelier α. All rights reserved.
Designed and implemented by rewilt.com
Embodied Attention · Spatial Design