ii. Theme – Analysis

Fig.01 In-between analysis of Christian Norberg-Schulz’ genius loci

To echo Norberg-Schulz, here is an illustration [fig.01] that synthesizes the stated key points of genius loci that will allow me to define my ‘inbetween’ concept. I therefore propose to analyse it by means of a Venn diagram in order to highlight the relationship between the interested theories. The three sets represents the three aspects of genius loci: the existential foothold, the structure of place and the phenomenology of architecture. The first set includes the identification and orientation elements. The second set involves the character and space. Thirdly, the phenomenology set represents the concrete and intangible phenomenas. For the purpose of this analysis, I have chosen not to investigate the elements of orientation and concrete phenomenas to focus on the social dimension context of this research. Three overlaps can be collected from the relationships between the sets: the existential place, the cultural identity and the social character of a place. Firstly, the overlapping between the ‘existential foothold’ and the ‘structure of place’ sets represents the ‘existential place’. Constructed by the identification and space elements, it corresponds to the existential dimension in relation to place. Secondly, the overlap between the identification and intangible phenomenas elements result in the cultural identity. Finally, the overlap between the ‘phenomenology’ and ‘structure of place’ sets generate the social character of a place. This last overlapping constitues a space that generates social encounter according to the social ways of living. These overlapping will be used as analytical tools for the case study :

Existential place = existential dimension in relation to place

Cultural identity = the identity of belonging to society

Social character of a place = a space that generates social encounter according to the ways of living

Fig.02 In-between analysis - How to define an architectural identity ?

architecture. The history of vernacular architecture bears witness to the deep roots of this existential dimension in relation to place, for this type of architecture was born from the soil itself and from community work. The various vernacular constructions can be interpreted as the embodiment of cultural identities and of our understanding of nature. Thus, vernacular studies must necessarily be comprehended first from these two points in order to apply sustainable design to it. These points will help in the understanding of how to return to sources in my analysis. In an attempt to answer the question – how to define an architectural identity ? – I will look more deeply into the last point, the social character of place. Christian Norberg-Schulz’ definition of ‘theme’ will be the next diagram presented as my interpretation of the in-between concept.

Human identity presupposes the identity of place and the identity of place is defined by its character. The character of a man-made place is defined by its degree of ‘openness’, it’s ‘presencing’ , ie. the permeability of interactions between two contradictory ‘domains’. The ‘theme’ consists in a typical spatial relationship between two domains, such as insideoutside. This diagram illustrates [fig.02] my interpretation of the ‘theme’ as the in-between concept of Christian Norberg-Schulz’ genius loci. The social character of a place [fig.01], a space that generates social encounter according to the social ways of living can be defined by this in-between theme [fig.02]. I believe that this concept is an answer to defining an architectural identity by recreating social cohesion. The diagram above helps to visualize these relations. The first set includes the domains of all private ‘inside’ elements, such as part, interior and individual. The second set shows its contradiction, that is the public ‘outside’ domain, such as whole, exterior, communal. The overlap represents the in-between concept, the theme, also known as zones of transitions, meeting, threshold, boundary, gathering middle

and dialectic. The definition of theme is a symbolic form which embodies existential meanings. As such it has to be circumstantial and general. It has to concretize the local circumstances, but at the same time it should present these as a particular manifestation of a general universe of meanings. Each domain preserves their distinct identities separately, while at the same time unifying one another. This analysis will therefore make it possible to identify in-between places through the following four criteria:

In order not to fall into a retrospective vision and regress into lost forms of vernacular architecture, it is necessary to take into account the new challenges of the impact of the universal civilization. Critical Regionalism, to which I will now turn, preserves architecture’s relationship to its genius loci, maintaining our sense of belonging between the global and local languages of architecture. It is important to consider the bigger picture into which this thesis fits.

Fig.03 In-between analysis - How to identify in-between places ?

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