Staged Intimacy. The Atmospheric Logic of Carlo Mollino's Bedroom for a Farmhouse in a Rice Field

Abstract

The concept of atmosphere extends beyond its physical definition as a «gaseous envelope surrounding the Earth», encompassing a broader sensory and emotional dimension. Drawing on the work of Gernot Böhme, Tonino Griffero and Peter Zumthor, this article explores how architecture, through spatial composition and material choices, functions as a medium for generating specific atmospheres. Carlo Mollino’s interior design serves as a compelling case study, particularly his Bedroom for a Farmhouse in a Rice Field (1943), conceived for “Domus”. This project exemplifies how Mollino integrated layers of materials, colors, and spatial elements to create an immersive, protective environment. Through archival analysis and a qualitative approach, this study investigates the interplay between materiality, perception, and enclosure, highlighting Mollino’s commitment to designing spaces that are not only evocative but also feasible. The article contributes to the discourse on atmosphere in architectural interiors, demonstrating how Mollino’s design strategies transform space into a sensory and narrative experience.