MOSF Washinghton

Through altering spatial conditions, architects are able to use atmosphere as a way to explore ideas of perception, experience and reality. Atmosphere does not have objective properties, such as being comforting, joyous or frightening, as it is a subjective entity that helps to elevate or mute a participant’s emotional state in direct response to their spatial perception.

The concept of atmosphere, then, is elusive due to its very nature. Architecture must be “immaterial and spatially porous, as well as solid and stable where necessary”. The importance of programme is therefore secondary to the understanding of that metaphysical space. Architectural moves made within the formal language of museum reflect the need of atmosphere to manipulate visitors understanding of space. Within the enclosed volumes as well with the whole form, the idea was to create different types of presentation atmospheres to support expression of science fiction. Metaphorically the exterior stage containing a large LED screen makes new technologies foreseen in the future possible via its connection to the inner exhibition space.