Atmospheres and building culture: Seeking a possible correlation between the experienced atmospheres in interior spaces and the state of the building culture

Atmospheres and building culture
– Seeking a possible correlation between the experienced atmospheres in interior spaces and the state of the building culture

Encountering the architecture of Jørn Utzon invigorates an immediate sense of artistic quality. We are struck by a work of art. Simultaneously we experience a strong atmospheric situation. This profound interplay of experiences characterises the works of many master architects of classical modernist period. With this text it is the aim to shed light on the latter, - the atmospheric experience. To be more specific I wish to discuss how it is possible to identify and convey atmospheric experiences.

As a teacher of architecture for more than twenty years I have experienced an increasing interest in phenomenology. Often expressed in the realm of atmospheres. This observation corresponds with architectural research where claims has been that it is to be understood as reaction to the increasing rationality in society and hence resulting dissection of architecture into parts. Phenomenology, on the other hand, seems to offer a way of bypassing this rationality by embracing architecture as an entity.

So far so good, one can say! Now how can a phenomenological approach contribute to better architecture? Being a teacher I am naturally concerned with this question as I wish students to develop their sensitivity towards the multisensory aspects of architecture and hence become better architects.
An initial investigation of the research conducted within the field of atmospheres clearly demonstrates a strong emphasis on the theoretical aspects of the matter. Thus substantial research has provides us with an elaborated understanding of atmospheres from a theoretic point of view. Contrary to this less research has been conducted within the field of what could be called the “practical use” of atmospheres.
With my presentation I wish to discuss a possible way of identifying and conveying atmospheric experiences of architectural spaces - this by combining photography, creative and analytic writing.

The presentation involves twenty photographs (format 1:1) of interiors, expressing twenty different atmospheric situations in relation to their building cultural background. One example will be given of the creative (stream of consciousness) and analytic writing in relation to one of the interiors.