A+P2 - Kyoto 2009 | Philip Neher "A Phenomenology of the Atmospheric" [05/41]
Channel: csxlab
Date: 2019-06-16

Sensing the Immaterial:
A Phenomenology of the Atmospheric
By Philipp Neher
Currently Project / Design Architect at Rick Joy Architects in Tucson, Arizona

Abstract:

In assuming that atmosphere is a phenomenon in our actual experience, the paper investigates the atmospheric as a spatial quality. We are touched and tuned, stimulated and comforted, emotionally and mentally provoked by the specific atmospheric sensations existent in a space. Although our body does not have a specific organ for sensing atmospheres, we still seem to be able to perceive them. We have an awareness of our body being in them that differs from a purely physical presence and insinuates a more complete sensual and intellectual immersion. Like the phenomenon light that - despite broad scientific knowledge of its physical consistency - still needs a phenomenological handling to make it a poetic element in design projects.
The paper intuits essential characteristics about the phenomenon atmosphere and addresses how these are manifested in our consciousness. Delineating from these insights, it examines how focusing on the atmospheric can support the reading, the communication and the conception of spaces. The argument concentrates on how awareness for the atmospheric implies the possibility to also satisfy immaterial human needs in the design process.
In daily life, atmospheres are not perceived in distilled or analytical experiences, but as an immersion into an aura of effects. This aura is neither only resultant of the objective world nor solely the subject’s state of mind, but it is their common reality in- between. Many components tune this inclusive effect: materials, illumination, space proportions – but ultimately the atmospheric is generated through an emotional response towards them. Blurring the distinction between the real and the incorporeal - the ephemeral, the unconscious, the imaginary - culminates in a stimulating confusion that carries potentials for the creative process.
To start designing from the integrative awareness for the atmospheric means to center on how a space is going to feel like. For example, the challenge of designing a hospice - a space that will host its inhabitants for their last days of life - demonstrates how spaces can be appropriated to accommodate emotions like despair, hope, dignity, civic memento mori, cultural comfort.

Focusing on comprehensive spatial experience of space establishes a new ethic and language of inclusiveness. Focusing on the atmospheric means to get emotionally involved! Setting up lifestyle stages of various atmospheric qualities and intensities, this new way of practice is not esoteric, but more analytical, more discursive, more empathetic, and more aesthetic in its true sense – it’s more humane.
Author biography
Philipp Neher graduated with a Master's Diploma in Architecture from the University of Stuttgart, Germany, and was an exchange student with the École Polytéchnique Fédérale de Lausanne. He holds a Master in Design Studies from Harvard University, where he examined the spatial phenomenon “atmosphere”. His research was funded by Harvard's Charles W. Holzer Fellowship and by the German Academic Exchange Service. Recently, he taught a design studio at the University of Arizona. He has been on design review panels at the ASU, GSD, MIT and the UofA and has lectured at the Tucson MOCA on “Sublime Experience” and “Urban Desires: Why Here?”. Philipp holds a license as an architect in Germany.
Prior to coming to Tucson, Philipp had worked for Devanthéry & Lamunière in Geneva and S.O.M. in New York. During his studies he completed several independent projects and stage designs. He is currently commissioned to design a residence on the coast in Croatia. Philipp has contributed to several exhibitions among them “Weaving and Habitation”, curated by Toshiko Mori. Since 2004, at Rick Joy Architects, he contributed to the designs for winning competitions and innovative projects, ranging in scale between single family residences to urban master planning. Philipp pursues a pro bono commitment for ProNeighborhood, supporting local grassroot groups with design services.