The Genius Loci

Genius Loci. A roman term, "the protective spirit of a place".


Why do architects like designing buildings that don't fit in?
This is a question that my friend who studies business had asked me, and after some thinking and some research this is my response.

What exactcly defines whether a building fits in or doesn't fit in?
I would argue that there are a bunch of factors that can determine whether a building fits in or doesn't fit in.

Firstly, how does it's function relate to the functions of the surrounding buildings? Is it just a funky looking house amongst many plain boring houses, and if so is it really out if place then?

Secondly, is it beneficial? Does it benefit the surrounding occupants or provide something that would otherwise be a hassle to obtain, this refers to the odd local shops that you can find in some areas that you sometimes walk past and think "Oh? A little shop."
-Doctor who, Series 3 Episode 1, Smith and Jones

I think these are the sorts of things we need to question when we look at buildings, we should always think about the function and how it relates to the context rather than look at the aesthetic in comparison to the context, as I believe it is the function that creates the Genius Loci rather than the aesthetic, and as they say, you should never judge a book by its cover. 

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