Atmospheres: Designing Beyond the Visible
Architecture is not only about form. It is about the emotions that spaces evoke and the invisible impressions they leave behind. In this article, I explore atmospheres—the subtle yet powerful layer that shapes how we live, work, and feel.
Spaces with Different Intentions
Think about the difference between a university study hall and a break area in an office.
In the academic setting, the design should encourage focus, bring calm, and motivate students to keep learning.
In the office, the goal shifts: the space should allow people to disconnect, reduce stress, and regain energy.
Both environments deal with pressure, but the design intention is different. One stimulates the desire to learn; the other helps restore balance.
Biophilia: Connecting Nature and Atmosphere
The sound of water—whether a quiet drop or a flowing cascade—has a universal calming effect. These sensory elements show why biophilia is such a powerful design approach.
Research reveals that workplaces designed only with desks, chairs, and closed walls often lead to fatigue and lower performance. By contrast, spaces that integrate natural elements—daylight, greenery, or even the sound of water—improve well-being and productivity.
It’s not about consciously noticing “there’s a tree, so I feel better.” The effect works at a deeper, almost subconscious level. As humans, we are intrinsically connected to nature, and being surrounded by it changes our state of mind in ways we may not fully understand.
Masters of Atmosphere
Some architects have shown us that the true strength of a space lies not just in its form, but in the atmosphere it conveys.
Tadao Ando transforms light and shadow into essential design elements, creating spaces that invite silence and contemplation.
Luis Barragán, the Mexican engineer and architect, infused his work with color, geometry, and spirituality, turning spaces into memorable experiences.
When I visited Barragán’s works as a student, it profoundly shaped the way I understood architecture. The Chapel of the Capuchinas left me speechless. The play of light and shadow, combined with the spiritual aura, created an atmosphere far beyond architecture—it became an experience.
What makes it even more remarkable is the context of his time. Barragán had no access to simulation software or digital tools. His process relied on vision, intuition, and persistence. At the chapel’s courtyard, for instance, he designed a monumental cross—about 12 to 15 feet tall—whose shadow had to project exactly as he envisioned. If it didn’t, he would have it rebuilt until it was perfect.
That level of conviction is something I deeply admire. Today, when we often settle for renders that look good on screen, Barragán reminds us that architecture is not about convenience. It’s about crafting real experiences that move people.
Theory Meets Practice
Swiss architect Peter Zumthor captures this idea in his book Atmospheres, considered a classic in architectural studies. He argues that the quality of a space is not defined only by its form or function, but by how it influences people—their performance, interactions, and most importantly, their feelings.
Designing atmospheres means working with the intangible—the invisible layer that turns a building into a lasting experience.
Conclusion
Atmospheres are the essence that transforms architecture from structure into experience. As architects and designers, we have the responsibility—and the privilege—to create spaces that not only serve a function, but also inspire, calm, and connect with people on a human level.
Because long after the materials fade, what remains is how a space made us feel.
✍️ Written by Azul Romo
Architect & Interior Designer
