0 SKEMA 4: SPECIALEAFLEVERING Institut for Æstetiske Fag

7.0 Abstract
This thesis is an investigation into the concept of atmosphere concerning the contemporary
aspects of cityscapes and city planning. This includes a general discussion of the term
atmosphere and different views on how atmosphere is perceived. Atmosphere is, as such, a
term filled with ambiguous interpretations, which give difficulties in the stating of a precise
definition. Most theorists, who are occupied with this matter, agree on the complicated nature
of the term. The essence of atmosphere is transient and variable but yet always present.
Three diverse views on the concept of atmosphere have been presented; the first
considers the object as the primary source from which atmosphere emanates. In this opinion
the architect is of great importance, because of his capability to arrange atmospheres through
his architectural work. In this lies a paradox, because atmospheres can never be controlled. It
is claimed, that the power of atmosphere thereby contains a threat to the architect. Even so,
Mark Wigley, who is an architectural professor at Princeton University, underlines that it is
impossible to be an architect today and not deal with atmospheric effects. The second view on
the concept of atmosphere concentrates on the subject. The subject is considered to be
producing atmosphere through activities and interactions in the public space of the city. In the
recent years a more freely use of the public spaces in the city has been observed. Such a
development is welcomed in this perspective. This theoretical position appeals for a public
space without architectural planned details, which is considered to be a limitation of the
subject’s possibility to act creatively. The third, and in my opinion the most qualified,
perspective is a combination of the two preceding views. However, this calls for a new
revised perception of the traditional subject-object dichotomy, as presented by Niels
Albertsen, professor at Aarhus School of Architecture. What captures this theoretical view is
the fact, that atmosphere is considered to be a joint product of the perceiving subject, the
object and the surroundings. More importantly is the statement that atmospheres are to be
conceived as independent phenomena.
In the light of this theoretical discussion the case, Bryghusprojektet, is analyzed. The
project is not yet build, which is why this analysis primarily concerns the atmospheric effects
and the city space surroundings. In this analysis different complexities are approached. One of
the important points of the analysis is the conditions of the pedestrians, which play an
essential role and the city’s quality as walkable is ascribed significance in the general
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