Air

Shapiro and Engelmann take special note of air in different ways. Engelmann sees the airy poetics of the spatial realm and how this affects surrounding environments, Shapiro's take on air is that of content and bodily attunement to the chemosphere.

The air in downtown Davis is probably the most telling sign of the environment, even more so than sights and sounds as it is the medium through which we view and especially feel the world

It is important that I note at the time of this recording and awareness of the atmosphere in downtown Davis, it is late fall, with most days being overcast by clouds and the temperatures freezing. I do want to note the differences in temperature I personally feel when in the Central Valley than when in Humboldt county. In Humboldt, in the Redwoods National Forest, when it rains it becomes warmer due to the humidity that such an environment creates with rainfall, it is the best ways for redwood trees to absorb moisture. Meanwhile the Central Valley, the ecosystem is either different or the concrete jungle has created an environment which makes the temperature colder at signs of rain, without rain it is still cold, but rain here causes the temperature to fall further.

The addition of other environmental, social, and economic factors must play a part in creating the environment, not just sound and sight. Another example I can give comparatively is after being in Humboldt for some time and returning to the Central valley, the scent of cow manure (or other agriculturally present factors) invade my nostrils and I cannot help but to notice it while outside. As time goes on, I become accustomed to it, yet it repeatedly returns after a trip away. The ability to move away from a source and have to readjust oneself even after having previous experience is interesting to say the least. This is an attribute that is playing in more ways than just my example, I would argue that this is similar with pollution and other human made and environmental contributions.