n maeda atelier develops 'enishi resort villa' in taiwan using brainwave technology

n maeda atelier (norisada maeda) has used EEG data (the results recorded while measuring one’s brainwaves during an electroencephalography test) to develop the design of ‘enishi resort villa’, a small hotel in taiwan. exceeding the limits of rational architectural planning, the project focuses on sensorial spatial design instead. the forms of the two main elements of its interior – the undulating slabs on the horizontal axis, and the winding vertical void – are both defined by the shapes of the client and the architect’s EEGs (electroencephalograms), recorded on site using a brain-computer interface (BCI) tool. an unpretentious concrete cube that resembles a bunker ruin encloses the hypercomplex interior, attributing a brutalist character to the entire project.all images by ryuji shiraishi

in ‘enishi resort villa’, n maeda atelier has attempted to construct a space in which the owner’s memory and feelings, and the architect’s creativity resonate while complementing each other. exploring the potential of an ‘architecture of the unconscious realm’, the architects have used the data recorded during the EEG tests, which were done on site, to develop the main spatial elements of the project. the result is a hypercomplex interior where masses and voids intermingle, resembling a living organism.

the hotel’s interior is built in raw, unfinished concrete, complete with various types of greenery that express the site’s tropical climate. natural light and wind enter through the open atrium, which is located at the center of the building. voids and masses intermingle in the form of protruding balconies, small bridges and stairs, creating a play of light and shadow.

on the outside, the building is wrapped in the same raw concrete as the interior, resembling a bunker ruin or a rock. its modest exterior takes the form of a simple concrete box, meticulously concealing the complex space housed within. an open terrace with a wooden deck, where the pool is located, complete the project.

project info:

name: enishi resort villa

architect: n maeda atelier

lead architect: norisada maeda (n maeda atelier)

main design team: shingo tsuji (chiasma factory inc.), ting-kai weng (kai architects), kuan-fan chen (A.S.studio), sotetsu sha (atelier share), toru hasegawa and mark collins (proxy design studio)

location: aimen district, fu-xi township, penghu island, taiwan

site area: 329.82 m2

floor area: 459.29 m2