[5]Vitruvius noted that since the human body is the measure of architecture, it is also that which determines atmospheric qualities.
Their architectural works draw from the philosophical tradition of Maurice Merleau-Ponty and Martin Heidegger, the correlation of the body and its sensory-motor functions.
Spaces begin as voids, tangible and undefined structures, its atmospheres are articulated through cognitive subjects (memory, perception, judgement, emotion) and physical presence.
[11] Several aspects of architectural and spatial design have been identified as contributing to atmosphere: Light that fills a room can give the impression of a space being serene, exhilarating, gloomy, celebratory or creepy.
When the sun comes up in the morning – which I always find so marvelous… and casts its light on things, it doesn’t feel as if it quite belongs in this world.
Böhme outlines the concept; that stage design, like architecture provokes emotions and atmosphere.
This sense of atmosphere is enhanced “not only of objects, wall and solids, but also of light, sound, colour…” Japanese novelist Junichiro Tanizaki in his book In Praise of Shadows[12] describes atmospheres poetically, through space and light within Japanese thought and practice of inhabiting in variations of darkness.
“An empty space… a mere shadow, we are overcome with the feeling that in this small corner of the atmosphere there reigns complete and utter silence; that here in the darkness immutable tranquillity holds sway” (p. 33).
The mystery and ambiguity of shadows created by light are primary atmospheric conditions of interior spaces.
[13] Jean Baudrillard in The System of Objects[14] used the term ‘atmosphere’ within the context of interior design to refer to the status image of consumption.
Thus the interior, through a series of cultural connotations takes on its ‘atmospheric’ qualities, where the term is used to describe a personal expression of status.
Objects can acquire both tangible and intangible qualities, for example; an idea, memory, colour, furniture, smell, light and texture.
Buildings defend and sustain their interiority; air creates an apparent atmosphere within architecture.
Peter Zumthor outlines that, “Interiors are like large instruments, collecting sound, amplifying it, transmitting it elsewhere.