The Intimate Domain of Dwelling Between Earth and Sky

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Date

2015-05-14

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Publisher

Virginia Tech

Abstract

The original constructive act of human nature was to make shelter. The original architectural act of human nature was to create place. Nature is made of emotive elemental matter- the horizontal of earth, the vertical of sky, the transcendence of water and the energy of fire. Human beings, alone among the living, have the opportunity to purposefully act. We have squandered this privilege until now, only considering nature where we have not yet built. We must endear ourselves to the source of our existence and through each experience gain nourishment and inspiration. Architecture manifests the spiritual revelation of human intervention into nature. The intimate act of dwelling requires fulfillment and sacrifice. The home should inspire the mind, envelop the soul, nurture the body, and free the spirit. The inhabitant must feel grounded within the foundation, thoughtfully carved into the earth, permeated with the warmth of being embedded, and enriched by the centering focus of a flame within the darkness. The inhabitant must feel elevated without weight upon lightness of frame, touched by a cool breeze, surrounded by canopy and inspired by the heavens. For this journey, the architect must purposefully and poetically place humanity within nature.

This is the intimate domain of dwelling between earth and sky.

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Keywords

dwelling, Architecture, vessel, belonging, home

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