In Search of Atmospheres: Directions, Methods, Perspectives (an Interview with Tonino Griffero)

Abstract

The article is a commented translation from English and German of an interview, conducted in February 2024 with the Italian philosopher-phenomenologist, professor of aesthetics at the University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, the current undisputed leader in the study of (affective) atmospheres Tonino Griffero. The interview touches upon a diversity of traditions in atmospheric research (including national variation in such studies), the correlation of the notions of atmosphere with the notions of mood (Stimmung) and ambiance, research methods and ways of theorizing of atmospheric phenomena by German phenomenologist Hermann Schmitz (16.05.1928 – 05.05.2021) and aesthetics specialist Gernot Böhme (03.01.1937 – 20.01.2022), and, finally, the prospects of employing the relevant methods and approaches in social sciences, including anthropology.