Designing Atmospheres: The Pedagogical Approach of Peter Zumthor

Abstract

How can the design of atmospheres be taught? How can it avoid the vagueness and superficiality at times associated with this concept? This paper describes the pedagogical approach of an architect for whom atmosphere is a central concern: Peter Zumthor. While his architecture is well known, little has been written about his teaching at the Academy of Architecture – Università della Svizzera italiana (USI-ARC) between 1996 and 2007. The paper analyzes the documents of Zumthor’s teaching and highlights three aspects of designing atmospheres: analyzing and reproducing emotionally significant memories of atmospheres, documenting observed atmospheres, and imagining and building atmospheres. Lessons for the future of architectural pedagogy include: working with ‘real’ construction materials to develop an awareness of their sensory qualities, using personal memories and experiences as starting points for design, forming a clear intention for atmosphere and material qualities at the beginning of the design process, and designing atmospheres not merely as aesthetic experiences, but as backgrounds for social life.