The present research focuses on the analysis of the role of the concept of atmosphere/ ambience in the architectural space and is analyzed through individual building structures and outdoor spaces. How can a space be designed based on the creation of atmosphere? How can the creation of atmosphere affect the design of a space? What design techniques and methodologies did the architects rely on to produce the desired atmosphere in the space each time? Through the analysis of the design of six recognized architectural projects, design methodologies for the emerging atmospheres which are constantly changing and respond each time to different needs are sought.

By atmosphere we mean the emotional ties that develop between human and his spatial context. It is about the emotional experience of the subject from his confrontation with the materiality of the space. Atmosphere expresses an overall and invisible feeling, a pervasive feeling that we feel when we are in a space. Therefore, the atmosphere is of particular interest in architectural design, because it introduces its emotional dimension and connects it to the experience of the space.

The general hypothesis of the research was studied based on the analysis of six architectural projects, by different architects, in different countries and cities. These projects are as follows: The Therme Vals by Peter Zumthor, Expo'98 Portuguese National Pavilion by Álvaro Siza Vieira, Church of the light by Tadao Ando, Sanctuary of Fatima by Alexandros Tobazis, Jewish Museum Berlin by Daniel Libeskind and the Regeneration project of Nea Paralia of Thessaloniki by Nikiforidis, Cuomo. These projects were selected because of their present special atmospheric qualities, based on the argument that they are recognized, successful spaces, a fact proven by their high traffic and their impact to the world. Although the projects selected were not all designed based on the atmosphere production phenomenon, atmospheres are produced in all spaces. The information was collected based on interviews, information and books of the architects available on the internet and presented with images and drawings for a complete understanding of the atmospheres in the space.

It turns out that the six architectural works analyzed present special atmospheric qualities and consequently a strong emotional connection between the subject and his confrontation with the materiality of the respective space. More in detail, in each case the atmosphere of each work is created, influenced, shaped and emerges by different factors, such as: a) morphological factors, such as volume, scale, rhythm, order and proportions, b) sensory factors and the movement, stimulating the senses of the body when it comes into confrontation with the materiality of the space, c) cultural factors through social and individual memory and d) through the social and individual activity of the people who are in the space.