Atmosphere Anatomies: On Design, Weather, and Sensation

by Silvia Benedito

Atmosphere Anatomies illustrates the relationship between landscape architecture and urbanism with atmosphere as a design medium for sensory and physiological welfare. The essays examine the design techniques and contexts of projects in which atmosphere is brought to the fore. Throughout, photo-essays by Iwan Baan showcase selected design projects as milieus for everyday life. The book concludes with a combined taxonomy of design techniques. The critical and visual examinations of these projects―from William Kent to Lawrence Halprin, Carlos Villanueva to Alexandre Chemetoff, Le Corbusier to Lina Bo Bardi―illustrate that the continual integration of atmosphere as medium in the design process creates spaces with social, emotional and environmental relevance

Silvia Benedito is an Associate Professor of Landscape Architecture at the Harvard Graduate School of Design. She teaches graduate core design studios in landscape architecture and urbanism, as well as advanced research seminars. She also serves as Co-Chair of the Sensory Media Platform at the GSD.

Genres: Architecture

360 pages, Paperback

Published January 5, 2021

Reviews

[Maren Gunderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this up a bit randomly (simply because I found the premise intriguing), but I was honestly impressed by what I found inside.

I thought the various diagrams showing air flow vs. heat vs. humidity was a really important detail in the overall exploration of atmosphere design. I found myself jotting down the names of different places mentioned because I hope to experience the different effects described! After reading, I am far more aware of the way which temperature affects experience (especially in a poetic, intentional way).

[Ann Laenen · Rating 4 out of 5]

must read!