Entrance=Eingang

Abstract

The challenge to the architect-- and his reward-- does not reside simply in meeting the demands of existing sites and a landscape but rather in establishing within one corner of the world a new 'place'-- a genius loci-- by his ordering and creative sense. -Emil Steffan This thesis proposes to transform traditional architectural elements into a meaningful work of contemporary architecture without negatively effecting the genius loci. It is essential for architecture to have meaning that is evident so that people can identify with architecture. People can identify more easily with architecture that respects the genius loci of a place. When architecture is rooted in a place it has a meaningful relationship to its environment and to the other architecture. It is our responsibility as architects to integrate architecture into the site. Form, scale, proportion, and integration into the site are traditional elements of architectural language. If we continue to use these elements and transform them into our modern language, we provide another means for people to identify with a work of architecture. To find a way to transform or incorporate the old language into contemporary buildings is a challenge in architecture. In meeting this challenge, architects continue the development of architectural history over time. Architecture that respects tradition and place can organize the path of life, can give a clear orientation in space and time, and can make a strong connection to mankind. How to transform the roots of tradition into new architecture without loosing the connection to place, time, and mankind is the critical question.