On the experience of the sublime in architectural atmospheres: a phenomenological inquiry

TL;DR

This paper explores how the sublime is experienced in architecture through a psychological and philosophical lens.

Contribution

It introduces a new framework for understanding the sublime in architectural contexts using phenomenology.

Findings

The sublime in architecture is linked to specific experiential dimensions.

Literary works reveal how architectural atmospheres evoke the sublime.

The sublime experience is deeply connected to psychological and atmospheric factors.

Abstract

The concept of the sublime has inspired numerous philosophical inquiries throughout the evolution of aesthetic thought. This article examines the type of experience referenced by philosophers in their discussions surrounding the concept of the sublime. I thoroughly explore the experiential dimensions by analyzing the sublime from a psychological perspective anchored in phenomenology. More specifically, this research concentrates on the manner in which the sublime is perceived within architectural contexts. Through a phenomenological examination of architectural experiences depicted in esteemed literary works, I propose a comprehensive framework detailing the experiential manifestations of the sublime. Finally, I discuss the philosophical, aesthetic, and psychological implications of the sublime experience, as well as its intricate relationship with atmosphere.