What really constitutes an architectural atmosphere Peter Zumthor says is this singular density and mood this feeling of presence wellbeing harmony beauty ... under whose spell I experience what I otherwise would not experience in precisely this way. Zumthors passion is the creation of buildings that produce this kind of effect but how can one actually set out to achieve it In nine short illustrated chapters framed as a process of selfobservation Peter Zumthor describes what he has on his mind