meravigliatie

Meravigliatie is a neologism used to describe the deliberate elicitation of wonder and awe in audiences through art, design, media, and urban interventions. The term blends the Italian meraviglia (wonder) with the Dutch-derived suffix -atie, signaling a process or practice.

Definition and scope: Meravigliatie denotes activities that aim to shift perception, reveal hidden relationships in space or narrative, or transform ordinary settings into experiences that surprise and engage the senses.

Origins and usage: The word emerged in contemporary European discourse around immersive and experiential practices in the early 21st century, though its usage remains informal and varying by context. It is not widely standardized in academic taxonomy.

Practices: Examples include immersive installations, site-responsive art, interactive storytelling, architectural interventions, and digital experiences that incorporate sound, light, or tactile elements to evoke a sense of marvel.

Critique: Some scholars caution that meravigliatie can become a marketing or hype label if not grounded in thoughtful concept and ethical considerations; others argue it provides a useful heuristic for evaluating audience engagement and affect.

Related topics include awe, wonder, immersive art, and experiential design.