The Spirit of Place
The post's headline might sound unfamiliar, never been heard of, arouse our curiosity, or nudge us to scratch our heads. Confusion aside, let us first simplify the topic and begin with the source. The terminology "Genius Loci" had origins as far back in time during the ancient civilizations of the Romans. According to these pioneers, this was referred to as the protective "spirit of the place" and was historically portrayed as a guardian creature, supernatural entity, or possibly a watchful ghost.
Meet Sophia. She is an adventurous traveler and loves going around famous destinations around the world. One day, she finally fulfilled her life-long dream of experiencing the Eiffel Tower of Paris in person. Those were ecstatic moments for her as she fully savored the majority of the marvelous features of the place as much as a typical tourist could consume.
A few years later, she happened to arrive in Las Vegas for a vacation and all of a sudden, stumbled upon an exact replica of the famous Eiffel Tower in one of the luxurious hotels in that city. Did she feel the same way there as her previous presence at the original monument? No, she did not. An unforgettable place that had already been experienced will always embed its unique emotional connections and vivid memories to that person therefore could not be repackaged and shipped somewhere else regardless of their stark similarities. See the difference?
Fast forward to our modern era, Genius Loci has evidently evolved into an extensively researched field of science because of its valuable influence on the architecture and design professions. In fact, the spirit of place, also popularly known as "sense of place", has become more obvious nowadays due to its useful timely implications. There are a variety of spaces that feel comfortable and have a welcoming impression while others tend to push us from a mountain edge falling to the bottom. Some habitats also tend to emanate warmth and hug us with security and refuge. These are basic examples of emotional reactions that are usually the result of natural tendencies derived from relevant moments of our experiences.
Each interior zone, outdoor area, building exterior, and geographical landscape embraces a distinctive atmosphere - beyond that of the existing built environment. Furthermore, this physical setting mirrors how spaces operate in the real world as people travel through time and space. Hence, this is where Genius Loci plays a strategic role in how we perceive and experience our immediate surroundings.
Lifeless Built Environments
Contrary to popular belief that buildings are lifeless objects, it is high time to think otherwise. We constantly have the tendency to prefer the novel. And in architecture, we are more attracted to buildings that have adapted to new technologies, recent design styles, and state-of-the-art construction materials due to our natural obsession with the latest trends.
On the other hand, there is nothing wrong with heritage sites and ancient buildings regardless of how far they have shifted from the norm. These edifices may have lost their luster however, the cultural mark they have planted on a location will always be felt by people who experience the place, given that the concerned environment is worthy of the memorable moment.
Genius Loci offers justice to aged buildings that are considered lifeless because of the passage of time but have contributed immense cultural and social value during their lifespan. One effective way of rejuvenating their former glory and the prime condition is through adaptive architecture, which is another interesting subject to investigate.
Place as a Phenomenon
Our daily lives are surrounded by perceived phenomena in actual realms. Concrete objects such as plants, trees, animals, forests, doors, floors, furniture, houses, and buildings. It also consists of celestial bodies like the sun, moon, stars, and the physical aspects of the universe as well as the planet's atmosphere plus our ever-transforming seasons.
Interestingly, this phenomena also include intangible properties like our emotions and the expressive feelings that affect us. This is often referred to as the "meat of our existence" and is simply considered as one of the core ingredients of our human experiences.
A more technical definition of place is called environment. We seldom use the typical expression in our conversational language that happenings "take place". Thus, it is worthless to even think that any event or occurrence would be materialized without referring to a specific location. A place is apparently a significant component of our earthly existence. All these vital criteria point to a locality's character, also known as atmosphere, and is fundamentally the primary essence of a place.
Context of Genius Loci in Spaces
In its relationship to current architectural theory, Genius Loci has a profound influence on the transformation of a place and is categorized as a philosophical branch of Phenomenology. This interesting architectural domain has been explored more thoroughly by the notable theorist Christian Norberg-Schulz in his outstanding book, Genius Loci: Towards a Phenomenology of Architecture.
There are instances when the attractive and elusive characteristics of a certain place draw the attention of people. For the physical process of Genius Loci to take effect, there are certain elements that are foundational to its concrete application.
NATURAL HABITATS. This comprises green landscapes, topographic conditions, climatic states, and the availability of authentic natural components like water, soil, air, plants, animals, etc.
CULTURAL EVIDENCE. These are the constructed infrastructure and architecture like bridges, fortifications, religious structures erected on hilltops, plus other buildings that are embedded in the geological landscape, social legacy, actual location or movement of people, and the specific place as a cultural destination.
SENSORY INTERACTIONS. This consists of the visual, auditory, olfactory, gustatory, and tactile activities that are the resulting outcomes from the interactions with the habitat, landscape, and culture of the location.
Collectively, it is the direct engagement and immersive exposure of human beings to their physical environments that contribute to their immediate reactions and transform a location or site into its sense of place.
Feng Shui and its Influence
In Eastern philosophy, Feng Shui is a system of principles governing spatial programming, organization, and orientation with its relationship to the flow of healing energies in the built world. The fundamentals of this widely-practiced Oriental concept merge the valuable characteristics of functionality, distribution, and harmony into the language of architecture and design thought processes.
Here are some practical and real-life applications of Feng Shui to enhance the spirit of place for a wide variety of houses, offices, buildings, and other equally significant constructed environments:
GEOMETRIC PROPORTIONS. The square and rectangular are the most preferred shapes in the construction of space due to their standard usage and ideal compatibilities in designing architectural projects. These simple forms also allow the easy flow of energy and practical utilization of building materials.
PASSAGE OF NATURAL ELEMENTS. The designed space must be conducive to the continuous stream of natural sunlight, breathable air, and correct ventilation to flow within the interiors. Floor-to-ceiling height windows are perfect examples to allow the passage of these vital components of nature.
ELIMINATION OF POINTED AND SHARP OBJECTS. Spaces like bedrooms, family rooms, living areas, and even high-end bathrooms where rest is the core activity, must be free from dangerous decorations, furniture, and items that cause fatal accidents. The achievement of complete relaxation in these zones is the key.
SEPARATION OF SPACES. Specific areas within the interior environment must be ideally separated with designated walls to categorize their functional purposes. For instance, a home office must be completely isolated from noisy areas to properly safeguard the allocated energy in the intended room.
PRACTICE OF ORGANIZATION. A messy environment would not be an ideal space to rest, work, eat, study, clean up, or socialize. Hence, the provision of ample storage systems to arrange, compile, and manage all sorts of stuff helps to avoid clutter in the discipline of Feng Shui and allows the passage of desirable positive energy.
EASE OF ACCESS PATHS. Entry portals like front doors for homes must portray a solid appearance and open towards the interior to invite feelings of welcome and hospitality upon the entry of people. Moreover, these passageways must be maintained with tidiness, cleanly organized, and free from mess to promote the continuous current of favorable forces.
(Note: A special shout-out to @macchiata in answering her personal request to write about this topic. I hope this has helped you.)
The Architecture of Well-being
If we are serious enough in enjoying everything that space provokes in the different human experiences we exhibit, the spirit of a place, though invisible, is the ultimate answer to being more emotionally connected to our various built environments.
Would it be a more memorable spatial encounter if we simply slow down, relax our senses, as well as feel the beautiful atmosphere and character of our surroundings? If the numerous benefits that are derived from Genius Loci are planted at the core of transforming the ambiance of a certain place, would that significantly establish architecture as a more worthwhile endeavor? Only time will tell.
#Hive, have you experienced the Genius Loci of an environment while in its presence?
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The photos are very beautiful, your post is very interesting.
Thank you @baptisttadg for your appreciation, and I'm glad it made your day!
this i like, i am Amazing your class the conection AND percepción with the architecture
Thanks, @feiderman, I'm grateful that you found my post useful!
Hello
The term was unknown to me, but almost everyone has the result, we all have favorite places that we like to sit down and just enjoy the moment.
For me it is the kiosk of the arenal, on Sundays the band plays and although this one without musicians is always a place that reassures me.
About this:
“ORGANIZATION PRACTICE. A messy environment would not be an ideal space to rest, "
I will tell you that my house is like that, like me, pure and simple disorder, but within my disorder there is an order, they say it is not good, but I will tell you a secret, I am a disorderly woman I carry it in my genes or I think and always I like to break the rules haha and although I try to order I can't and if I order then I can't find things.
Happy friday friend
Greetings @txatxy! That kiosk of the arena looks like a lovely spot to reminisce all the musical events you have enjoyed there. I also admire its circular architectural profile together with the exquisite building materials and finishes used in its construction. The heart-warming atmosphere plus the cherished emotional memories of that place are enough to let you constantly come back for more. Hence, the Genius Loci or Spirit of Place of that location has absolutely made a remarkable impression on you.
Furthermore, even though each person has their own definition of what being organized is, there's no need to worry. As long as you have order in your disorder, I think it wouldn't pose a problem at all. Remember the hilariously popular saying that goes, "A clean desk is a sign of a sick mind"? I guess there's some truth to it and unconsciously might have influenced you as well, haha. Whichever way, I do hope you can always find your stuff right away, lol. 😁 Have a wonderful weekend friend! 😊
This is such an interesting subject with excellent description. The unveiling of details on each and every aspect of subject is mind blowing!
I too was curious to know what the title Genius loci meant? But you explained it superbly. Actually in a true sense we are always connected to our built environment by various means as you described from our sense to elements. If I were to answer If I have experienced it, The answer would be yes definitely! I used to travel through metro till feb last year during my internship after that whenever I cross that metro station There's always a connection I felt because I loved travelling there. I always used to gaze through window smiling or even step out to just stand on the station. It's a beautiful connection.
Thank you for bringing such a prominent subject , Looking foreword to what next we can lean through another publications. Enjoy the weekend @storiesoferne :)
Hey there @sahiba-rana. It's a great feeling to know that you've found my post interesting and of importance to your knowledge. With your architectural expertise, you can surely benefit from the power of Genius Loci and apply its valuable principles to your projects that deserve a more experiential effect. It's also wonderful that you have personally encountered the phenomenon's impact in real life, like your beautiful memories at the metro station, to fulfill that emotional connection with your environment. Thank you, stay safe, and have a fantastic weekend!
Superb thoughts, writing, and narration as always.
This is the first time that I read about Genius Loci, and if I am correct we Filipinos also had this belief about spirits that guarding a place, I wonder what we call it...
Appreciate your kind words @afterglow! Perhaps you might be referring to ANITO, which are nature spirits, ancestor spirits, and deities in the native religions of the Philippines. The ancestral Filipinos followed ANIMISM, a belief that objects, creatures, places, and other phenomena have a distinct spiritual presence. Hope that helps.
Oh yes, it helps, and you nailed it, ANITO it is. I entirely forgot ANITO, thank you.
With pleasure, have an enjoyable weekend!
Oh wow this is a wonderfully authored post I had no idea about Genius Loci and have learned something new. Thank you for such a great post 👍🏽 I've got a bit more researching to do now.
Hi @melbourneswest, happy to know that you've digested something valuable and interesting from my publication! I hope this topic would help you become more conscious of the Genius Loci in your physical surroundings to be able to enjoy more delightful and satisfying experiences. Have an awesome weekend!
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Thanks so much, @claudio83!
a pleasure for me, great post! congrats 😊
Genius loci is an interesting term with well known terminology. It is so true that we do have some attachment and experience such sentiments with built up spaces. The senses as you mentioned plays a vital role truly.
Considering my personal experience, I too feel certain connection to built environment where I have already lived or some roads specifically.
It just feels good to be there.
Thank you for sharing such insightful post and adding more terms to our building knowledge. I appreciate your efforts.
Keep sharing them I personally admire it as It's a good learning experience.
Hello @praditya. I'm glad you also had actual, sensual, and real-life experiences to bear witness to the existence of the Genius Loci phenomenon. We may not be able to explain it fully in words, however, there's no doubt that it exists. The emotional connections and strong feelings we develop in certain places are concrete proof that our built spaces definitely have a profound effect and consequential impact on us all. As Architects, we must be absolutely mindful of these vital factors whenever we design our projects to create a truly satisfying user experience! Thank you for your beautiful remark! Have a safe and wonderful weekend!
Truly such aspects are so important to consider while creating built environment.
I find the implicit content that you develop behind the expression Genius Loci and its relationship, not only with ancient beliefs, for example, the Celtiberians of Numancia (Soria, Spain) buried their deceased inside the houses, with which they they also ensured 'the protection of family spirits'- but also with those attitudes and sensations of attraction and rejection that some places and buildings seem to exert on people. I think that in that sense (correct me if I'm wrong) the ancient Chinese technique of Feng-shui, already looked at this problem in the orientation of buildings. And although I do not intend to extend myself more than necessary, it has always been suspected that many cult buildings, both Neolithic and medieval, used to be established in the proximity of telluric currents, which increased precisely these sensations. I do not know if these types of details are also taken into account in modern architecture. Best regards.
Certainly. Genius Loci may be a more recent terminology used in architecture and design, but its roots obviously run as deep as we could imagine into the archives of history. Our ancestors may have used another expression to describe the same phenomenon but most likely, they would have been referring to it all along.
You have an excellent point when you said, "That the attitudes and sensations of attraction and rejection that some places and buildings seem to exert on people," as these scenarios are the direct outcomes of what the "spirit of place" of different environments exert on them. Feng Shui and other ancient cults may also have similarities to these methods of boosting the Genius Loci of a space. At the end of the day, these various practices were all about enhancing our human experiences in constructed and natural habitats. Thank you for your incredible analysis @juancar347! Warm greetings! 😊
I love how you've written this, it started with narration, and then it flowed beautifully and deeper into exploring "genius loci" It's the first time I heard about this term but somehow understood and have been familiar with what it means. Moreso, I am careful when entering or visiting spaces due to heightened sensitivity.
Does this mean that certain negative historical events have a negative impact as well and could be felt by the physical body? I cited this because I once visited an old school that served as a torture camp. Bloodstains were still visible on the floor as well as the instruments used. I explored the school before sundown and felt this heavy and suffocating vibe. As though fear and trauma were embedded on the walls and I fell ill with fever and was sick for the next 3 days.
Hence, I am an advocate of feng shui (to a certain extent) and try to incorporate the basic principles in space planning because of its manner in designing the flow of "chi". Great post, Erne. I'm tempted to read the book you mentioned.
Hello Arni, thanks a lot for your appreciative words! I'm sorry about what happened to you during your unfavorable experiences with unusual places embedded with negative historical backgrounds. That old school (torture camp) was obviously sending you sickening signals from its fearful and traumatic past. Your story, by the way, also reminded me of a similar incident I've previously experienced inside a temple ruin with a paranormal entity, remember? In fact, that unexpected encounter left me speechless with a hair-raising memory!
On a positive note, the practice of Feng Shui in the professions of architecture and design has become a valuable tool for the enhancement of our built spaces. It's for this reason that the human experience must be given utmost priority for building projects to be considered successful. This also goes to show how significant the Genius Loci of an environment is, in its profound influence on the people within its presence. Happy weekend! 😊
Very good
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Hello Erne, my friend @storiesoferne I apologize for not having written earlier. In my apartment we still have serious internet connection problems, the service has failed a lot, it is very bad. I hope that the new company providing the service will answer me as soon as possible so that I can improve the connection. So right now Genius Loci or the spirit of the place has me stressed hehehehehehe.
Now yes, I go with my comment. I am a very orderly person, I do not like disorder, I do not like dirty or noisy places, I love to be in peace and I am generally very sensorial, my senses harmonize my spirit. Seeing, hearing, smelling, feeling, tasting must be a pleasant experience for me because otherwise I get into discomfort. For that reason I always seek to be well and perceive pleasant effects. Prayer, discipline, order, neatness and compliance with rules are essential in my life, I like harmony because I like to experience sensations that gently vibrate my soul. I like to feel unforgettable places. Cup of tea:
An unforgettable place that had already been experienced will always incorporate its unique emotional connections and vivid memories into that person, therefore it cannot be repackaged and shipped elsewhere, regardless of their stark similarities. I believe that this is very true; however, for health reasons, I seek to repeat similar pleasant experiences to feel good. I know that what was originally lived is never repeated, but it may be similar.
In conclusion I loved your publication, you are a great teacher, an excellent pedagogue, you know how to teach and reach many people, you are a great leader. I hope you continue teaching us, guiding us ... I learn from you, I like to learn new experiences, I love light and knowledge; For that reason, I identify with this community because here you learn, here we receive positive vibrations, here there is a climate of peace and harmony, a happy family that provides quality of life to its members ... HERE there is a true Genius Loci environment POSITIVE or the POSITIVE spirit of the place.
Receive a strong virtual hug full of light and many positive energies. Thank you for existing.
Hello Marcos, my friend. I'm truly happy to know that you are sensitive to the Genius Loci of places and that being sensorial has enormously enhanced your various experiences with the physical surroundings. The "Spirit of Place" is surely a significant factor for built environments because it ideally connects you to the existing atmosphere of the space. Continue to enjoy your great relationships with the habitats you explore, and maybe someday, you could share more of your marvelous encounters with our community. Thank you very much for your immense support and participation. More virtual hugs and infinite blessings for you @marcosmilano71!
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Interesting post Erne! and that definitely helps me answer my question that I left to you. Sorry it took a while to reply to this post. Since everything is re-opening I am going to visit one of the temples here and will write more about it. I have always been meaning to write about its structure and from the architecture perspective of it. I suppose this will have a relation to the buildings I am about to visit.
Many thanks, Mac for your reply! I know you're interested in these topics - that's why I tagged you in this post. This was also to answer your previous request and query to create content like this. I look forward to your amazing story about those temples being published in this community. Happy weekend! 😊
Yes! I also have one article line up about the revival of old architecture in hotel industry. It's a long one and I haven't had the chance to perfect the piece and includes some research on it. Have a great weekend @storiesoferne
Looking forward to that as well. You are always welcome to publish in the Architecture+Design Community. Have fun! 😊