IN-PERSON: Prague – Section A

Abstract

Why does contemporary building culture leave a uniform atmosphere on our spaces, why is this a problem and why can nothing apparently be done about it? Through phenomenological studies of nine spaces raging from the Viking age and until today the author will unfold the relationship between how we built and the resulting atmosphere in our spaces and hereby reflect upon the above assumptions. The studies will address whether the assumptions are grounded in reality or just undocumented claims: Is industrialisation the true source of the uniformity and conformity experienced in the atmospheres of contemporary spaces? The selected spaces represent different eras within the development of our building culture. There are old spaces that have been formed through artisan craftsmanship. At the same time there are new spaces formed by industrial processes. By presenting the spaces retrospectively, a picture emerges of a constantly evolving building culture that affects the atmosphere in different ways.
Why is this significant? It is because the experience of the uniform atmospheres of contemporary spaces is inconsistent with the varied utilisations of those spaces. When building culture results in the same impression of schools, kindergartens, housing, offices or psychiatric hospitals then a problem exists. Our lives are multifaceted and presuppose spatial environments that both in terms of use and atmosphere are adaptable, creating a framework for positive physical and mental well-being. At the end the author points towards a connection between the effects derived from developments in societal culture and the character and quality of the spatial environments that we daily inhabit. Like rings in water, societal culture influences building culture, which in turn influences the buildings and spaces that ultimately create the atmosphere that affects us.