Atmosphere of Place: a Body of Work

Abstract

Referencing contemporary research in ‘atmosphere and place’, this thesis pursues a process of design-led-research, culminating in the production of three site specific architectural interventions. Each of these design investigations aim to engage the human body with specific atmospheres, of varying scales, porosity, and intensity. This thesis proposes that ‘place’ exists as a material context that is intrinsically connected to atmospheric conditions of architecture and asks, how can atmosphere enhance the concept of place? In essence, these design investigations explore; bodily responses to an interior space, atmosphere and place within an existing context, and the complexities of place within the historic setting of Oamaru. Respectively, these three scaled design investigations include; a standalone installation piece, an iterative series of formal studies engaging with the domestic scale of the house, and the design of a public building within Oamaru. Each of these design investigations explore light and volume, solid and void, interior and exterior, and have each enhanced the context that they are placed. This research concludes that the atmosphere of place can be an active agent in the creation of architectural form.