How does one design an atmosphere? Architects can employ a multitude of physical and intangible elements to do so. Some of these elements skillfully control the use of materials, colors, or light—and others seem to generate atmosphere and ambience by mere chance.

In Raumreiz, Anna Kirstgen asks how spaces affect people and by what means spatial effects can be deliberately evoked. She introduces six spatial concepts, derived from architectural practice, that allow the design process to be structured. Using her model of the "spatial narrative," she proposes a method for shaping atmospheric situations in architecture in a more targeted way.