Traditional and Digital Representations of Atmosphere in Architecture. A first systematisation

Abstract

In architecture, atmosphere and its many implications have, in recent years, received increased attention. This paper considers atmosphere in architectural representation, and begins with an exploration of different definitions of these atmospheric representations. This paper then identifies and summarises representations of atmosphere in architecture and their key aspects, and proposes, in the form of a timeline, a preliminary systematisation of these aspects. This paper considers both traditional and digital representations of atmosphere in architecture, and focuses on aesthetic and emotional qualities of atmosphere. Thus, this paper is not limited to realistic and scientific approaches of atmosphere as meteorological conditions, but extends to atmosphere as emotions and mood. This paper also suggests cross-fertilisation, in the representation of atmosphere, between architecture and other fields. Therefore, while this paper explores atmospheric representations in architecture, it establishes its discussions by crossing disciplinary boundaries. It is anticipated that this paper will encourage further research, including recommendations for negotiating the apparent incompatibility of traditional and digital representations, to maintain qualities characterising well-known examples from the past.