Short answer
Designers should move beyond purely functional or aesthetic considerations to actively design the experiential qualities and emotional impact of their creations.
- Field
- Classic Design
- Source
- Academic Publication (2021)
- Method
- Conceptual research and design exploration
- Evidence
- Moderate effect
Architectural design should actively consider the intangible 'atmosphere' of a space, which is shaped by temporal, corporeal, and environmental factors, rather than defaulting to an ideal object conceptualization. This classic design research insight is drawn from a 2021 study published in Academic Publication. Using Conceptual research and design exploration, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Designers should move beyond purely functional or aesthetic considerations to actively design the experiential qualities and emotional impact of their creations.
Atmosphere in Architecture: Moving Beyond Ideal Objects
Architectural design should actively consider the intangible 'atmosphere' of a space, which is shaped by temporal, corporeal, and environmental factors, rather than defaulting to an ideal object conceptualization.
Academic Publication · 2021
Key Findings
- 01Atmosphere in architecture is an intangible yet perceivable characteristic of built environments.
- 02Current architectural design often defaults to an 'ideal object' conceptualization, neglecting the deliberate design of atmosphere.
- 03Designing for atmosphere requires acknowledging a building's temporal nature, its effect on corporeal presence, and its surrounding environment.
Application
Design takeaway
Designers should move beyond purely functional or aesthetic considerations to actively design the experiential qualities and emotional impact of their creations.
How to apply
When designing a space, ask: How will this space feel at different times of day? How will people physically interact with and experience this space? How does this space relate to its immediate surroundings and broader environment?
Project actions
- 01When documenting your design process, consider how your design choices contribute to the overall atmosphere of the product or environment.
- 02Use descriptive language to articulate the intended atmosphere of your design.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Highlights a critical, often overlooked aspect of design.
- +Encourages a more holistic and user-centric approach to design.
Limitations
It can be challenging to objectively measure or quantify 'atmosphere' in a design project.
Reliability & validity
Reliability could be improved by using standardized questionnaires for user feedback on atmosphere. Validity is challenged by the subjective nature of atmosphere, requiring triangulation of qualitative and quantitative data.
Think critically
To what extent can atmosphere be objectively designed, given its subjective nature?
Design Principles
"The design of a space should intentionally cultivate a specific atmosphere by considering its temporal, corporeal, and environmental dimensions."
Understanding and designing for atmosphere allows for the creation of more engaging and meaningful built environments. It shifts the focus from purely aesthetic or functional form to the experiential quality of a space, impacting user well-being and perception.
What This Means for Your Design
This research suggests that buildings aren't just shapes; they create a 'feeling' or 'atmosphere'. Designers should think about how time, how people move and feel in a space, and the environment around it to create better experiences, not just nice-looking buildings.
How to use in your project
- 1.Reference this research when discussing the experiential qualities of your design and how you considered user perception and emotion.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
The concept of atmosphere, as explored by Suriano (2021), suggests that the intangible qualities of a space significantly impact user experience. My design for [your design] aims to cultivate a specific atmosphere by considering [mention temporal, corporeal, or environmental factors you addressed], moving beyond a purely functional or aesthetic object.
Source
Questions About This Research
- What does the research say about atmosphere in architecture: moving beyond ideal objects?
- Designers should move beyond purely functional or aesthetic considerations to actively design the experiential qualities and emotional impact of their creations. Evidence: Academic Publication (2021).
- Why does "Atmosphere in Architecture: Moving Beyond Ideal Objects" matter for design?
- Understanding and designing for atmosphere allows for the creation of more engaging and meaningful built environments. It shifts the focus from purely aesthetic or functional form to the experiential quality of a space, impacting user well-being and perception.
- How can designers apply this research?
- Designers should move beyond purely functional or aesthetic considerations to actively design the experiential qualities and emotional impact of their creations.
- What were the main findings?
- Atmosphere in architecture is an intangible yet perceivable characteristic of built environments.. Current architectural design often defaults to an 'ideal object' conceptualization, neglecting the deliberate design of atmosphere.. Designing for atmosphere requires acknowledging a building's temporal nature, its effect on corporeal presence, and its surrounding environment.
- What research method was used?
- Conceptual research and design exploration.
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2021 journal from Academic Publication.
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When designing a space, ask: How will this space feel at different times of day? How will people physically interact with and experience this space? How does this space relate to its immediate surroundings and broader environment?
- What are the limitations?
- The research is conceptual and does not provide quantitative data on the impact of specific design interventions on atmosphere.