ABOUT

Future Space

Our first area of research is deeply centered on the concept of 'Future Space.' We are particularly intrigued by how current spaces are evolving with the integration of various media and technologies, resulting in entirely new forms of environments. Advancements in display technologies, for example, are expected to play a crucial role in everyday spaces, transforming physical environments much like changing wallpaper or tiles. We envision a future where content delivered through displays seamlessly merges with physical spaces, creating new spatial experiences in places like museums, theaters, offices, and residential areas. Our research focuses on understanding how future spaces will develop, what media and technologies will combine to create these spaces, and how people will adapt to and live within them. Exploring how all these elements can integrate to foster innovative designs is a central focus of our work.

Metaverse

Space Design

The second research area involves the design of 'Metaverse Spaces.' While we currently spend most of our time in physical indoor spaces, the rise of the metaverse suggests that people will increasingly spend significant amounts of time in virtual environments as well. Although traditional architecture has primarily focused on physical space design, the design of metaverse spaces is still in its infancy. Designing for the metaverse requires a different approach from physical space design; it's not just about creating fantastical environments, but about understanding the unique characteristics of metaverse spaces and designing based on how people behave within these environments. Unlike the physical world, the metaverse allows for the exploration of designs that defy physical laws. However, just like in physical spaces, the design must consider how people use and experience the space. In the metaverse, behaviors such as interaction with objects, movement, and communication can differ significantly from those in physical spaces. Therefore, just as we have studied physical space design for centuries, metaverse space design is an emerging field that demands in-depth exploration.

Data-Driven

Space Design

Our third area of research focuses on 'Data-Driven Space Design.' Traditionally, space design has relied on interviews and surveys to gather subjective opinions on what people want from their environments, with designs often reflecting the expertise and experience of the designers. However, this approach can sometimes lead to discrepancies between the intended use of space and actual usage. With recent advancements in ICT, particularly IoT and wearable sensors, it is now possible to accurately collect data on people's behaviors and physiological responses within spaces. Using this objective data to inform design allows for the creation of more efficient, user-centered spaces. Our laboratory is dedicated to analyzing how people interact with and respond to different environments using such data, and developing methods to design and improve spaces based on these insights. Additionally, by utilizing sensor technology, we can create dynamic spaces that adjust in real-time to the user's responses, achieving a more efficient, responsive, and vibrant design.

Spatial Contents

and Computing

The final research area is 'Spatial Contents and Computing.' With the advancement of display technologies and VR/AR, a variety of digital artifacts are increasingly integrating into our physical environments, creating rich spatial content that coexists with us. We are particularly interested in spatial content that goes beyond traditional media consumption, focusing instead on content that actively interacts with and enhances the spaces we inhabit. Our research involves generating diverse spatial content through digital storytelling and finding the optimal ways to integrate this content into environments, ultimately enriching the user experience within these spaces.