Feel the atmosphere: a qualitative study on spatial experiences in contemporary Muße architecture.

In an ever-accelerating world, experiences free of outcome expectancy and time pressure for the pursuit of intrinsic activities are increasingly rare. Such moments are described by the German term 'Muße'. This qualitative study focused on prototypical objects of contemporary Muße architecture. The aim was to investigate empirically how individuals experience such spaces via their ambient atmosphere using semi-structured interviews. By Grounded Theory Methodology, a typology of spatial experiences was developed. The analysis revealed specific and general experience patterns, as well as conducive architectural means. The results are interpreted in terms of theories of Muße, restoration, aesthetic absorption and time experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]