Embodied Attention · Spatial Research
Spaces that engage
the body, not just the eye
the body, not just the eye
Design based on bodily responses rather than visual perception has still rarely been practiced. We provide a method for designing through bodily responses.
The Science
What is Embodied
Attention?
Attention?
Embodied attention is the way your whole body — not just your eyes — responds to a space. It encompasses how room proportions affect your breathing, how material textures shift your posture, and how acoustic qualities modulate your alertness.
Traditional Japanese architecture has historically been rooted in bodily experience rather than purely visual composition, so the current statement may be conceptually inconsistent. Instead, it could be reframed around contemporary practice: 'Many contemporary architectural approaches still prioritize visual representation,' or 'As AI-generated renderings and visualization technologies continue to evolve, visual appeal is becoming increasingly influential in shaping early design decisions.'
About the Studio
Research-Driven
Spatial Design.
Spatial Design.
Atelier α is a research studio based in Tokyo and Zurich. We explore how space affects the entire body, not just the eyes.
Through an interdisciplinary approach bridging architecture, neuroscience, and psychophysics, we create spaces that people deeply immerse themselves in and experience physically.
Our Services
01
Concept Stage
Goal: Identify the desired emotional and cognitive experience before design begins.
EEG intervention: Participants experience reference spaces (real spaces or VR) to measure attention (theta), relaxation (alpha), and engagement, combined with subjective responses.
Design output: Spatial sequence, degree of openness/closure, material direction, and lighting concept.
02
After Schematic Design
Goal: Validate design decisions before construction.
EEG intervention: Test VR models of Design A/B, modifying one variable at a time (ceiling height, light quality, material combinations, visibility, and movement paths) to compare.
Design output: Optimize transition spaces, refine lighting strategies, adjust circulation, and spatial hierarchy.
03
Existing Renovation
Goal: Improve experience without rebuilding the entire space.
EEG intervention: Measure current user response in the existing environment to identify areas of stress, disengagement, or low immersion.
Design output: Modify lighting, add material layers, reconfigure movement paths, and introduce sensory elements. Example: Identify locations where users consistently show reduced engagement and redesign those areas through lighting/material interventions.
Who We Serve
Premium Spaces, Measured Impact
Luxury Hotels, Resorts & Vacation Villas
We deliver value beyond visual beauty to premium hospitality properties. We design immersive environments that fundamentally transform the senses and impressions of guests the moment they step through the door.
Luxury Residential Development
We design invisible luxury elements such as acoustic environments, thermal changes, and subconscious spatial flows, realizing iconic spatial experiences and enhancing asset value.
High-End Private Residences
We design one-of-a-kind residences for discerning clients. Proportions, lighting, and materiality harmonize with the body's natural responses, creating a deep sense of security and belonging.
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, Lusíada University, Porto, Portugal (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, Honorable 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
We welcome conversations about your space — no commitment required. Tell us about your project and we'll assess whether an embodied attention approach is the right fit.
Our team will provide an initial assessment, and if you'd like to proceed, a detailed proposal with transparent pricing.
All costs discussed upfront. Work begins only upon your approval.
Our team will provide an initial assessment, and if you'd like to proceed, a detailed proposal with transparent pricing.
All costs discussed upfront. Work begins only upon your approval.
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