Jerome and the demons of space: Atmospheres from wilderness to intimacy, from the expanse to claustrophilia

This essay examines the relationship between architectural space and affective atmosphere through depictions of Saint Jerome. Applying the phenomenology of atmospheres, it traces Jerome's spatial progression from the agoraphobic, daemon-haunted desert to the serene, enclosed studiolo. This shift is framed as a movement toward claustrophilia—a predilection for intimate space that facilitates focus. Central to the argument is the concept of "affective scaffolding." Jerome's study is a curated material ensemble that filters chaotic external atmospheres, cultivating an artificial climate for intellectual labor. This reveals how subjects manipulate environments to manage feelings, a practice echoing dwelling as the "cultivation of atmospheres." The essay contrasts this pre-modern atmospheric curation with modern ergonomic standardization, which often prioritizes physical efficiency over affective resonance. Ultimately, Jerome’s iconography demonstrates that atmosphere arises from the confluence of environment and corporeal disposition. His retreat shows architecture's power lies not only in form but also in its ability to recede, creating a protective darkness for claustrophilic expansion. Attending to these dynamics is essential for understanding spatial experience beyond the modernist privileging of light and expanse.