Ritual Atmospheres

In contemporary society, many traditional spaces of shared ritual have become less accessible, reducing opportunities for collective belonging and emotional connection. As everyday life becomes increasingly individualised, there is an opportunity to reconsider how spatial design can bring people together through meaningful shared experiences. Ritual Atmospheres explores how contemporary interpretations of traditional rituals can support connection, participation and a sense of belonging. Situated within Preston’s Grade II Listed Harris Institute, the project introduces heritage-sensitive interventions using light, colour, material, texture and sound to shape atmosphere and sensory experience. The building is organised as a sequence of four ritual spaces: cleansing, meditating, feasting, and dancing, creating a progressive journey through contrasting environments, each designed to encourage a different form of connection, participation and engagement.