Material Atmospheres in Cultural Architecture: A Phenomenological and Empirical Study of the Royal Danish Playhouse

Abstract

Materiality in architecture has long been theorized as a central mediator of human perception, emotion, and memory. This study aims to find out how architectural materials influence emotional and sensory experience in cultural spaces, and in what ways phenomenological theories of materiality can be empirically observed in lived spatial perception. The study bridges phenomenological theory and lived perception by evaluating how material choices affect feelings of warmth, calmness, openness, and comfort, as well as broader atmospheric reception. A mixed-method approach was employed, combining theoretical analysis with an empirical sensory-emotional survey conducted in the Royal Danish Playhouse. Eighty-five participants evaluated their spatial experience across dimensions including emotional tone, sensory engagement, material harmony, and perceived atmosphere. Responses were documented using structured Likert scales and open reflection prompts. Findings indicate that materials play a measurable role in shaping emotional and atmospheric response. Light and texture emerged as key mediators, confirming that materiality shapes emotional and spatial perception and validating phenomenological understandings of architectural atmosphere.