Atmospheres as expression of medial power. Understanding atmospheres in urban governance and under self-guidance

Abstract

In the following article, atmospheres are discussed as media of ‘bodily felt communication’ (Hermann Schmitz). The elements, which belong to an impressive atmosphere, take effect holistically in a ‘chord’ (Willy Helpach). While differentiating according to the degree of subjective affectation, one has to distinguish between atmospheres and moods, although both have a situational character. Atmospheres are staged as powerful media of suggestion for the purpose of manipulative communication. Therefore, the re-alphabetization of the perception of emotions and the ability to communicate about them eventually offer a higher degree of self-determination. Michel Foucault’s ‘hermeneutics of the subject’ will be harnessed theoretically for the differentiation of an affective self-control.