Atmospheric: Thesis Abstract

By Dempson Haney

My blogs for the remainder of the semester are going to be of my thesis and its progression throughout the semester. Starting the Atmospheric Series is my first attempt at my abstract.

Architectural atmosphere is more than just a physical well being but also the metaphysical. It could be defined as phenomenology, or collaboration of all senses; touch, smell, sight, and sound. While this is true, a space can also overwhelm one’s soul with emotion; approaching the metaphysical aspect of atmosphere, it takes place on a spiritual level. The space fronts an overwhelming sensation before one’s conscience has a chance to comprehend the space and its details. Atmosphere is not just the physical attributes individually but also when a series of attributes are used to conjure a single presence. For example, when a designer wants a space to feel warm; not referring to the physical temperature of the surrounding air, but rather the combination of specific flavors of smell, color, light, and even texture to persuade the mind into thinking the space is of a warm nature. Looking at it from a metaphysical stand point, one’s presence within the space is needed in order to create this spiritual connection. Atmosphere cannot be experienced through pictures or even film, but only direct participation. The impression it leaves behind will reverberate our senses, but not in the entirety which it was presented and becomes nothing more than a vivid dream. The correlation between atmosphere taking hold all aspects of the human sense, and total design taking hold all aspects of a building design and its contents, then begins to emerge.

Art has a way of expelling these emotions that only a human can experience. Only the human species can truly create art because it is an abstract expression that can only be “seen” by another person. When an architect practices total design; they design nearly every detail of the space like it were art, they are in full control of what the guest experiences from the space. Where fine art encompasses an underlining feeling or meaning; architecture creates atmosphere. Architecture is the art of space and therefore atmosphere is that underlining feeling or meaning.

Atmosphere is not limited to merely the man made products of our built environment, but also its surrounding landscape and how it is presented. The act of systematically altering the landscape to coincide with its spouse nestled inside creates a visual and coherent unification of space. The plantings can be used to accent an atmosphere’s qualities; further pushing the envelope. Such a conjugation brings the total design to a macro level on site.

Total design is an ongoing process of experimentation. It shows a better understanding of detail. So then is it possible to say that total design is the efforts to physically and spiritually lead the senses into a single architectural atmosphere or is it merely a byproduct.