Embodied Atmospheres

Abstract

This thesis investigates how multi-sensory perception can enhance the creation of immersive atmospheres in architecture. Traditionally, architectural discourse has prioritised vision, often neglecting the roles of sound, smell, taste and touch in shaping spatial experience. Building on theories from phenomenology, psychology and architectural practice, this thesis explores how embodied perception influences human interaction with space. A literature review and design experiment provide the theoretical foundation, while historical case studies and contemporary projects in Berlin demonstrate practical strategies for sensory-driven design. These findings are applied to the adaptive reuse of a former textile factory in Görlitz, reimagined as a space for costume design and production within the city’s film industry. By integrating textiles, movement and material impermanence, the project emphasises bodily engagement and highlights the potential of architecture to resonate beyond function. The study contributes to the discourse on atmospheres by proposing design principles that challenge visual dominance and foreground the full spectrum of sensory experience.