Local Cultures – Global Spaces

Abstract

Over the past decade, prominent figures in architecture have depicted the discipline’s current state as devoid of shared beliefs or symbols. It’s perceived as non-referential, non-ideological, poised either at the end of history or on the verge of a new pre-history, marking the conclusion of both traditional theory and practice. This prevailing ambiguity, as many assert, can be attributed to the discipline’s fragmentation over the past 25 years. This splintering largely stems from increased specialization, the delegation of core duties, and a technocratic shift that threatens to confine architecture between the realms of social sciences and humanities on one side and science, technology, and truth on the other. Such a division becomes strikingly evident in the emergent social and environmental movements, often labeled as the climate and social emergency. These movements have given rise to a multitude of new specializations, anchored in notions of justice or truth. The amalgamation of humanities and social sciences with science and technology has bred a belief in the quantifiability of human relationships, leading to the measurement of individual actions, their repercussions, and the accompanying accountability. Within this context, this paper endeavors to explore the significance of an architectural approach anchored in the convergence of intentionality and meaning. This perspective leverages architecture’s innate ability to inspire new structures and possibilities, offering a contrast to an approach solely rooted in causality and truth. To elucidate this, projects such as the Orangutan Nests, Alexander Brodsky’s PO-2, Gabarnmang, Cretto di Burri, and others will be meticulously examined.