Domestic Atmospheres: How the Immaterial Shapes the Home

British Academy/Wellcome Trust Conferences bring together scholars and specialists from around the world to explore themes related to health and wellbeing.

Our homes amount to much more than buildings and the objects inside of them: what really makes a house a home is a matter of atmosphere. This conference will explore the immaterial and atmospheric qualities of the home, to investigate the pressing crises that face our homes today. Connecting knowledge across disciplines, researchers will discuss issues such as air quality, instability and temporary housing, housing outside of the home, belonging, the climate crisis, and public health.

Over the course of two days, researchers from diverse fields including human geography, cultural studies and architecture will discuss how a wide range of issues such as the environment, economy and health all contribute to the housing crisis. This conference will showcase how a greater attention to the atmospheric can create a new focus for both housing policy and academic research.

Conference convenor:

• Dr Samuel Johnson-Schlee, London South Bank University

Speakers across the two-day conference include:

• Adjoah Armah, Ruskin School of Art
• Dr Edwina Attlee, University College London
• Dr Alistair Cartwright, University of Liverpool
• Dr Adam Drazin, University College London
• Dr Sophie Elsmore, London South Bank University
• Dr Mara Ferreri, Politecnico di Torino
• Dr Melissa Fernandez Arrigoitia, University of Bristol
• Dr Emma Garnett, University of Exeter
• Sapna Halai, University College London
• Professor Ben Highmore, University of Sussex
• Marianna Janowicz, University of the Creative Arts
• Dr Sam Johnson-Schlee, London South Bank University
• Dr Ruth Lang, London School of Architecture
• Dr Mel Nowicki, Oxford Brookes University
• Dr Anna Parker, Institute for Historical Research
• Jessica Perera, Institute of Race Relations
• Dr Holly Pester, University of Essex
• Dr Alex Vasudevan, University of Oxford
• Dr Adam Walls, University College London

Conference ticket prices:

• Admission £20 per day (£40 for both days)
• Concession (including unwaged and students): £10 per day (£20 for both days)

Ticket price includes a vegetarian and vegan lunch. If the price is a barrier to attendance, please contact the conference organisers.

If you have any questions about this event please refer to our Events FAQs or email [email protected].

Image: Honeywell thermostat, 1980s, courtesy of the Museum of the Home.