Organizing Atmospheres: The Materiality of Quasi-things

Inspired by the call for papers in the sub-theme 34 at this years EGOS colloquium, the aim of this paper is a conceptual contribution, presenting atmospheres as a materiality, which is claimed gives a different perspective on organizing space and spatial design. The paper argues that the german neo-phenomenologist Herman Schmitz’ ontological category of a quasi-thing makes it is possible to conceive the notion of atmosphere as materiality. This understanding involves an notion of atmosphere emphasising its affective/emotional qualities and perceiving the space in-between, which is key to value the dynamic and social potential of atmospheres. As shown the epistemological perspective applied on the notion of atmosphere is detrimental in handling it. Following, the paper discusses in brief how the conceptual discussion can be considered in an organizational realm, especially focusing on the relation between organizational space, materiality and social life in organizations.