Style and mood control allow you to steer the emotional and aesthetic direction of a scene without changing its core intent.
In Scenographist, mood defines how a space feels, while style defines how that feeling is expressed.
They should reinforce the narrative — not replace it.
Mood Control
Mood shapes the emotional experience of a space over time.
Use mood to control:
- Emotional intensity
- Sense of comfort or tension
- Perceived openness or compression
- Atmosphere and presence
Common mood descriptors:
- Calm
- Tense
- Sacred
- Oppressive
- Intimate
- Joyful
- Melancholic
- Euphoric
Tip: Avoid vague terms. Choose moods that imply spatial consequences.
Style Control
Style defines the visual and formal language through which mood is expressed.
Use style to influence:
- Geometry and form
- Material expression
- Ornamentation or restraint
- Visual references
Common styles:
- Minimalist
- Brutalist
- Expressionist
- Biophilic
- Cyberpunk
- Classical
- Industrial
Tip: One dominant style is usually enough. Layering too many reduces clarity.
Separating Mood from Style
Mood and style are related but not interchangeable.
Example:
- Mood: sacred and quiet
- Style: minimalist
This results in a very different space than:
- Mood: sacred and quiet
- Style: baroque
Always define mood first, then choose a style that supports it.
Mood Through Light and Space
Mood is often best controlled indirectly.
Key levers:
- Light intensity and contrast
- Shadow depth
- Ceiling height and enclosure
- Material reflectivity
Subtle adjustments can dramatically change emotional impact.
Gradual Mood Transitions
Scenes can evolve emotionally.
Use transitions to:
- Move from tension to release
- Shift from darkness to clarity
- Guide focus and attention
Describe transitions explicitly when needed.
Example: The space begins compressed and dim, gradually opening into a softly lit central volume.
Example Style & Mood Prompt
Example:
Contemplative exhibition space exploring memory.
Mood: quiet, introspective, slightly melancholic.
Style: minimalist with subtle brutalist references.
Materials: raw concrete and translucent fabric.
Light: soft, indirect light with gentle shadow gradients.
Scale: human-scale with moments of vertical expansion.
