Film and atmosphere

A central concept in both the booklet and the film is ‘atmosphere’. German philosopher Gernod Böhme describes atmosphere as the ‘character’ of a space, something perceived unconsciously and instantaneously. It is based on the coming together of our bodily sensory experience and our thoughts and memories. An atmosphere puts us in a mindset that influences all our conscious perceptions and interpretations of a space after this first perceptive moment1 .

The primary medium that was used to explore the east of Krems was film. Film, much like atmosphere, brings together the bodily sensory experience and thoughts and memories. It is therefore a useful tool for mediating atmospheres. On the one hand film creates an almost firsthand bodily presence for the viewer through a process called proprioception, a sort of second hand bodily experience. On the other hand film creates a narrative that can transplant memories and thoughts2 . By analyzing and describing the atmospheres of Krems-East, including all its newly developed fringe areas and exploring their relations to their surroundings I intend to play a role in the preservation of the more ephemeral qualities of Wachau and of Krems as a qualitative environment for living.

Film is an empowering tool. It can be used as a foundation for discussion with almost everyone. Unlike more traditional architectural media such as plan drawings or sections, understanding film does not require previous knowledge or formal design education. One thing that becomes clear in this booklet is that Krems-East needs advocates to put its spatial issues on the map. I hope my film, as well as this booklet, can play a part in the process of emancipating Krems-East.

THE RIVERFRONT - STILL FROM ‘PAINTING A PICTURE’