Ambiances (Ambiances, Atmospheres and Sensory Experiences of Spaces)

How do ambiances shape our sensory, social, and built environments? This book offers interdisciplinary perspectives to understand the profound ways in which ambiances redefine our experiences and perceptions of ordinary spaces.

The study of ambiances is part of an important trend in the contemporary urban world, where increasing attention is being given to the sensitive and affective dimensions of space and experience. Beginning with an exploration of foundational concepts, this book then delves into the sensory, philosophical, and cultural dimensions of ambiances at the intersection of sensory environments and lived experiences. It explores the role of ambiances play in architectural design, urban spaces, and daily life. It engages with questions of contemporary sensibility, the sensitive experience of architectures and urban spaces, and the dialogue between the notion of ambiances and that of affective atmospheres. This book connects diverse perspectives of architects, philosophers, anthropologists and geographers to map the conceptual and practical territories of ambiances, from their roots in Francophone research to their broader global implications.

This book offers an essential guide to the study of ambiances, providing a foundational and forward-looking exploration that is valuable for researchers and upper level undergraduates of architecture, urban studies, urban planning, human geography, anthropology and philosophy.

Jean-Paul Thibaud is a sociologist and a senior CNRS researcher at the CRESSON research Lab (UMR 1563 Ambiances, Architectures, Urbanities).

Nicolas Tixier is an architect and a professor at the Grenoble National School of Architecture. He is a researcher at the CRESSON Research Lab (UMR 1563 Ambiances, Architectures, Urbanities).

David Zerbib is a philosopher. Scientific coordinator of Research at the Annecy Alpes School of Art (ESAAA), he is also a Lecturer in Philosophy of Art at the Geneva University of Art and Design (HEAD - HES-SO).

Didier Tallagrand is an artist. He has been teaching at the Annecy Alpes School of Art since 2002.