Atmospheres: Architectural Environments - Surrounding Objects (Hardcover)

~ Peter Zumthor (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

What "really constitutes an architectural atmosphere,” Peter Zumthor says, is "this singular density and mood, this feeling of presence, well-being, harmony, beauty ... under whose spell I experience what I otherwise would not experience in precisely this way.” Zumthor’s passion is the creation of buildings that produce this kind of effect, but how can one actually set out to achieve it?

In nine short, illustrated chapters framed as a process of self-observation, Peter Zumthor describes what he has on his mind as he sets about creating the atmosphere of his houses. Images of spaces and buildings that affect him are every bit as important as particular pieces of music or books that inspire him. From the composition and "presence” of the materials to the handling of proportions and the effect of light, this poetics of architecture enables the reader to recapitulate what really matters in the process of house design.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 75 pages
• Publisher: Birkhäuser Basel; 1 edition (June 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 3764374950
• ISBN-13: 978-3764374952
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.8 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #93,930 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Its 'NOT' Thinking Architecture, May 13, 2007

By	M. Zujic (Adelaide, Australia) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The book is written as a dialogue taken from a lecture, which has had minimal editing. This gives a good insight into Zumthors thinking and inspirations from the cuff,so to speak.

The disappointment is that there is not a lot of grounding theory or thoughts as well defined like those in his essays in 'thinking archtecture'. My feelings are that some ideas are repeatative but presented from a different perspective.

However if you are a true Zumthor fan, you would know that there is not a lot of published material so when its there! Get it!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars We'd all be lucky to have coffee with Pete..., December 9, 2008

By	Ian E. (TX) - See all my reviews

This book reads much like an actual conversation with Zumthor, one set in an old cafe, perhaps in the early morning on a cold day, yet the sun is still pleasant.

Simply this is a minimal lecture on our being in our immediate environments. Zumthor literally speaks to you, and you get an excellent look into his mind, how he experiences a place, his opinions on the important of how a place feels, sounds, looks, and so on, and his humor as he delivers the lecture as well. Definitely a must for any student of architecture. "Thinking Architecture" by Zumthor is also highly highly recommended.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars pretty good, September 17, 2009

By	Peter Mora - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This was a good narration but similar content was covered in 'thinking architeture' which covers this and more. Interesting insight into the perception of architecture. A good book to read when you have stopped designing architecture, and are instead only designing buildings.