What is Syntonic Spaces?

Space is not merely a container. The totality of the physical space that extends outward from the body and the psychological space that unfolds inward was referred to as the “life space” by psychologist Kurt Lewin. At the Spaces team, we regard this lived space—the very reality in which we exist—as the primary subject of design.

We approach space from the perspective of "Spatial Media," redefining it as an artificial construct that actively engages with human beings. By harnessing cutting-edge technologies of the AI era, we aim to create and propose spatial experiences that were previously impossible to realize. In particular, inspired by the concept of Body Syntonicity proposed by educator Seymour Papert, we explore spatial experiences made possible only when the space acts in syntonic resonance with one's own body—as if composing a harmony together. This allows for an expansion of both perception and action.

空間とは、単なる「容れ物」ではない。身体と接する外側の物理的空間と、内側に広がる心理的空間。その総体を、行動心理学者Kurt Lewinは「Lifespace（生活空間）」と呼んだ。Spacesチームでは、人が日々を生きるこの“生活空間”そのものを、デザインの対象として捉える。

私たちは、空間を能動的に人に働きかける人工物「空間メディア」として再定義する視座に立ち、AI時代の先端技術を駆使して、これまで実現できなかった新しい空間体験の創出に挑んでいる。特に、教育学者Seymour Papertが提唱した「Body Syntonicity（身体同調性）」の考え方に着想を得て、ハーモニーを奏でるように自らの身体と同調的に作用する空間を工学的に実現し、感覚と行為が拡張される体験を探求する。

Who are the members?

Led by Assistant Prof Takatoshi Yoshida (goes by Taka), our team consists of researchers, Doctoral, and Master students from Keio University Graduate School of Media Design, Embodied Media Project.