Research
Transforming Environmental Phenomena
into Spatial Experience
Practice-based research investigating how environmental phenomena—light, wind, water, and atmosphere—can be translated into spatial perception through architectural apparatus.
Context
Architectural space has long engaged with natural phenomena such as light, atmosphere, and environmental change. In particular, the works of Alvar Aalto, Juha Leiviskä, and Peter Zumthor demonstrate how light and atmosphere shape spatial perception beyond symbolic or decorative functions.
Rather than treating environmental conditions as passive background elements, this research examines how they can become active spatial agents. Light, wind, and atmospheric conditions are approached as forces capable of generating spatial experience when mediated through architectural structures and materials.
The study is also informed by perspectives found in Japanese aesthetic traditions, particularly spatial concepts related to emptiness and the relational understanding of space between material presence and void. Through material experimentation, field observation, and architectural installations, the research investigates how environmental forces can be translated into perceptible spatial phenomena.
Research Question
How can environmental phenomena such as light, wind, water, and atmosphere be translated into spatial experience through architectural apparatus?
Research Framework
ENVIRONMENTAL PHENOMENA
Light
Wind
Atmosphere
Water
ARCHITECTURAL APPARATUS
Structure
Material
Optical Systems
Spatial Configuration
ENVIRONMENTAL AMPLIFICATION
Reflection
Refraction
Air Movement
Diffusion
BODY / PERCEPTION
Movement
Sensory Awareness
Embodied Presence
Temporal Perception
SPATIAL EXPERIENCE
Atmospheric Space
Spatial Depth
Environmental Presence
Environmental Change
Research Themes
Environmental Phenomena
Architecture is approached as a medium that reveals latent environmental forces. Light, wind, atmosphere, and water are not treated as passive background conditions but as active phenomena capable of shaping spatial experience. These environmental dynamics continuously influence spatial conditions and form the primary material of the research.
Environmental Amplification
Through reflection, refraction, diffusion, and air movement, environmental forces are modulated by architectural structures and material systems. These interactions amplify subtle environmental dynamics and transform otherwise invisible processes into spatially perceptible phenomena.
Architectural Apparatus
Structures, materials, optical systems, and spatial configurations function as architectural apparatuses that mediate environmental forces. Rather than simply enclosing space, these systems operate as instruments that translate environmental dynamics into spatial conditions that can be perceived and experienced.
Atmospheric Perception
Spatial experience emerges through the interaction between environmental forces and bodily perception. Movement, light variation, and atmospheric change are registered through sensory awareness and temporal engagement, allowing environmental processes to unfold as perceptible spatial conditions.
Method
Field Investigations
Material Experiments
Optical Experiments
Digital Spatial Modeling
Physical Fabrication & Assembly
Architectural Prototyping
The research develops through iterative cycles of observation, experimentation, and architectural prototyping.
Field investigations across more than 100 architectural spaces—particularly in Finland—examine how environmental phenomena such as light, wind, and atmospheric conditions shape spatial perception in existing architectural environments.
Material and optical experiments explore how reflection, refraction, diffusion, and air movement can modulate environmental forces.
These observations are translated into architectural apparatus through digital spatial modeling and physical fabrication, leading to architectural prototypes and installations where spatial perception can be experienced through bodily movement and sensory engagement.
Field Investigations
↓
Material / Optical Experiments
↓
Digital Spatial Modeling
↓
Physical Fabrication & Assembly
↓
Architectural Prototyping
↓
Atmospheric Spatial Experience
Field Investigations
Material Experiments
Optical Experiments
Digital Spatial Modeling
Physical Fabrication & Assembly
Architectural Prototyping
Contribution
This research proposes architectural methods for translating environmental phenomena into spatial experience. Through the development of architectural apparatus and practice-based experimentation, it demonstrates how subtle atmospheric forces—light, air movement, and environmental change—can become perceptible spatial conditions. The work expands architecture beyond static form toward dynamic spatial environments emerging through the interaction between body, atmosphere, and constructed systems.
1989
Early Sensory Experiences
Born in Gifu, Japan.
Frequent relocations during childhood and experiences in forests, rivers, and shrine landscapes cultivated a sensitivity to natural phenomena—wind, sound, temperature, and atmosphere. These early sensory impressions later formed the foundation for spatial exploration.
Milestone: Early environmental sensitivity
2012
Beginning of Architectural Exploration
Entered the Department of Environmental Design at Tama Art University after a period of independent study. This marked the beginning of research into spatial perception and environmental phenomena within architectural space.
Milestone: Start of architectural research
2013–2015
Discovery of Light as Spatial Medium
Encountered lighting designer Satoshi Uchihara and garden designer Shunmyo Masuno, which deepened an interest in light and Japanese spatial aesthetics such as mitate. Inspired by Jun’ichirō Tanizaki’s In Praise of Shadows, created the installation Boundary of Light and Shadow (2013), which received the Grand Prize in the Architect’s Lighting Competition. Produced MIRAGE CUBE (2015), exploring optical phenomena and spatial perception.
Milestone: First major award / optical spatial experiments
2016–2018
Expansion of Spatial Experiments
Entered the Master’s program at Tokyo University of the Arts and began extensive spatial experimentation. Co-founded the spatial design collective Space Production Lab. and realized multiple installation projects. Presented SKY PATH (2018), investigating the relationship between natural light phenomena and spatial perception.
Milestone: Development of installation-based spatial research
2018–2020
International Research and Ripple
Entered the doctoral program at Tokyo University of the Arts and conducted field investigations across Europe. Architectural experiences—including encounters with the architecture of the Swiss architect Peter Zumthorr—influenced the research direction. Completed the doctoral project Ripple (2020), establishing three spatial elements: atmosphere, landscape, and mitate. The project received multiple international awards.
Milestone: Doctoral research and international recognition
2021–Present
Phenomena Architecture
Continues doctoral research focusing on structural experimentation and environmental spatial systems. Founded OSOTO Lab. and renewed international research through residency programs in Finland, including studies of the architecture of Juha Leiviskä. Current work develops the theoretical framework of Phenomena Architecture, investigating how architectural apparatuses translate environmental phenomena into spatial experience.
Milestone: Development of Phenomena Architecture
Publications
2025
Nishi, Takatoku.
“Transforming Environmental Phenomena into Embodied Spatial Experience through Apparatus Architecture: A Case Study of ‘Ripple,’ a Site-Specific Installation.”
Advanced Design Conference 2025 Proceedings.
ISBN 978-88-97977-94-0.
2021
Nishi, Takatoku.
“Phenomena of Light and Atmosphere — 光が織りなす現象と空気感.”
Thesis / Dissertation_02(1), Degree No. 12606-Kou-1033.
2020 Institute of Environmental Art and Design Journal No.24
2019 Institute of Environmental Art and Design Journal No.23
2018 Institute of Environmental Art and Design Journal No.21
Conferences
2019 Environmental Art 1964 TOKYO 2020 (Panel / Oral)
2018 Fujian Province Taiwan Culture & Creative Design Forum (Panel)
Exhibitions
2025
“AIR EXHIBITION: OSOTO LAB.” Open Studios
Lademoen Kunstnerverksteder (LKV), Trondheim, Norway
“AIR EXHIBITION: OSOTO LAB.” Exhibition
Lademoen Kunstnerverksteder (LKV), Trondheim, Norway
“Zon Weef.” Exhibition
ARE Artists-in-Residence Program, B93, Enschede, Netherlands
“Old Mine Residency Guest Artists.” Open Studios
Vanha Kaivos, Outokumpu, Finland
“Old Mine Residency Guest Artists Exhibition.” Exhibition
Vanha Kaivos, Outokumpu, Finland
2024
“Breathing Particles.” TOKAS Creator-in-Residence 2024 Exhibition
Tokyo Arts and Space Hongo, Tokyo, Japan
“Ateljé Stundars Guest Artists.” Open Studios
Stundars Open Air Museum and Cultural Centre, Solf, Finland
“Ateljé Stundars Guest Artists.” Exhibition
Stundars Open Air Museum and Cultural Centre, Solf, Finland
“40 × 40 Art & Design Exhibition – The Castle of Ravadinovo ‘In Love with the Wind.’”
A’ Special Design Exhibition
Ravadinovo, Bulgaria
“40 × 40 International Design Exhibition.”
A’ Special Design Exhibition
Academy of Fine Arts, Łódź, Poland
2023
“HIAP Open Studios / Autumn 2023.” Group Exhibition
HIAP Studio Building, Suomenlinna, Finland
“International Design Exhibition.” Special Exhibition
MOOD – Museum of Outstanding Design, Como, Italy
“JID AWARD 2022 Recipient Panel Touring Exhibition.”
Touring Exhibition, Japan
2022
“JHOMON ART Onahama International Environmental Art Festival.”
Special Exhibition
Aquamarine Fukushima, Fukushima, Japan
“The Way.” Group Exhibition
Valletta Contemporary, Valletta, Malta
2021
“Naoetsu Umimachi Art.” Art Event
Funami Park Coast, Niigata, Japan
“Tokyo Geidai Art Fes by Augmented Reality.”
Special Exhibition
Former Zentsuji Kaikosha, Kagawa, Japan
2020
“Tokyo University of the Arts Graduate Art Research Doctoral Exhibition 2020.”
Tokyo, Japan
2019
“SUTTEN – Is That Design?” Group Exhibition
Spiral Garden, Tokyo, Japan
“Environmental Art Society 20th Anniversary Conference Exhibition: Environment and Art 1964–2020.”
Zojoji Temple, Tokyo, Japan
“Land Politics.” Group Exhibition
Valletta Contemporary Art Gallery, Valletta, Malta
2018
“Transnational Tokyo.” Group Exhibition
Valletta, Malta
“European Capital of Culture – Valletta 2018.” Art Event
Valletta, Malta
“Tokyo University of the Arts Graduation Exhibition.”
Tokyo, Japan
2017
“SUKI FES 2017.” Art Event
Ueno Park, Tokyo, Japan
2016
“JID AWARD 2016 Recipient Panel Touring Exhibition.”
Touring Exhibition, Japan
“Ueno Night Park: The First Night.” Art Event
Ueno Park, Tokyo, Japan
“Winter Vista Illumination 2016.” Art Event
Showa Memorial Park, Tokyo, Japan
“Midland Christmas 2016.” Art Event
Midland Square, Nagoya, Japan
“Mitsukoshi × Geidai Design Award.” Group Exhibition
Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi, Tokyo, Japan
“SUKI FES 2016.” Art Event
Ueno Park, Tokyo, Japan
2015
“Tama Art University Department of Environmental Design Graduation Exhibition.”
Tokyo, Japan
“Shinjuku Creators Festa – Spatial Design Exhibition.”
Shinjuku Center Building, Tokyo, Japan
2014
“Pacific Rim 9th: Light & Shadow – The Art of Illumination.” Final Exhibition
Tama Art University Library, Tokyo, Japan
2013
“12dazn.” Group Exhibition
The Artcomplex Center of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
“Tokyo Designers Week 2013 – Student Architecture Team Exhibition.”
Vice Representative
Meiji Jingu Gaien, Tokyo, Japan
“JIA Architect’s Light Competition 2013 Recipient Panel Exhibition.”
Sapporo Underground Walkway (Chi-Ka-Ho), Hokkaido, Japan
Talks
2025
“Lunch with Guest Artist: OSOTO Lab.” Artist Talk
Lademoen Kunstnerverksteder (LKV), Trondheim, Norway
“Meet Us: Artist Presentation (OSOTO Lab.).”
Concordia, Enschede, Netherlands
2024
“Breathing Particles Phase 2: Artist Talk.”
Tokyo Arts and Space Hongo, Tokyo, Japan
2023
“Basic Formative Arts.” Guest Lecture
Department of Architecture, Musashino Art University, Tokyo, Japan
“JID AWARD Forum 2022 & 2023 New Year Exchange Event.” Solo Presentation
Japan Interior Designers’ Association (JID), Tokyo Midtown Design Hub, Tokyo, Japan
“Design Students Exchange Project: The Present State of Interior Design.” Seminar
International Design Center Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
Jury
2023
JID AWARD 2023 — Guest Jury
Japan Interior Designers’ Association (JID)
2022
IEAD23 Akita Conference — Jury Member
Excellent Presentation Award
Grant
2025
Dispatch Grant (Arts Sector)
Gyomu Super Japan Dream Foundation — OSOTO Lab.
Dispatch Grant (Overseas Research / Training)
Union of Formative Arts and Culture Foundation
Dispatch Grant
Scandinavia–Japan Sasakawa Foundation — OSOTO Lab.
2024
Dispatch Grant (Arts Sector)
Gyomu Super Japan Dream Foundation — OSOTO Lab.
Arts and Culture Grant
Nomura Foundation — OSOTO Lab.
Gion Arts and Sports Promotion Foundation Grant
2023
Exchange Residency Program (Japanese Creators Sent Abroad)
TOKAS — Tokyo Arts and Space
2022
Japan Arts Foundation Grant
2021
Repayment Exemption for Students with Excellent Academic Performance
Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO)
2020
Hirayama Ikuo Cultural Arts Foundation Grant
2018
Repayment Exemption for Students with Excellent Academic Performance
Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO)
2015
Scholarship — Tama Art University Alumni Association
Prize Fellowship — Tama Art University
Moritani Scholarship Foundation
2014
First Place — Japan Student Services Organization
Honors Scholarship — Tama Art University
Prize Fellowship — Tama Art University