Reconsideration of genius loci: re-generative design approach in environmentally sensitive architecture

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2015

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Emerce, Melike

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Green building rating systems, such as LEED and BREEAM, were initially developed for assessing the performance of the building designs as end-products. With the passage of time, they have gained such significance that they started to lead the green design practice. However, the inappropriate adaptation of these international rating tools as design guides has resulted in insensitivity towards context, disregard of regional and cultural variations since they have certain limitations preventing them to guide the overall design process. In these terms, there is a substantial need for a shift in green design practice. The purpose of this study is to propose a strategic shift in mindset towards an environmentally sensitive approach by interpreting genius loci, ‘spirit of the place’, as a context-depended understanding of architecture with re-generative design in order to obtain a better established basis for the design process. Re-generation, in this context, is a process based approach and aims revitalizing the environment with co-evolution of humans with natural systems. The study adopts a critical position and includes analytical evaluations which start with literature research and examined further through case studies in order to promote the necessity of mindset shift. After the discussion of key concepts, a conceptual framework is created to provide guidance for future practice. It is claimed in this thesis that a reconsideration of genius loci in accordance with the ideals of re-generative design has the potential to provide solutions based on place-specific understanding for environmentally sensitive architectural practice.

Subject Keywords

Sustainable buildings., Sustainable design., Sustainable development., Sustainable architecture.

URI

http://etd.lib.metu.edu.tr/upload/12619452/index.pdf
https://hdl.handle.net/11511/25159

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Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Thesis

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Citation Formats

M. Emerce, “Reconsideration of genius loci: re-generative design approach in environmentally sensitive architecture,” M.Arch. - Master of Architecture, Middle East Technical University, 2015.