Genius loci as a meta-concept

This research presents an analysis of the concept of genius loci over time. It aims to trace its evolution to provide its deeper understanding as a meta-concept. To this end, a holistic approach — including psychic, physical and human components — is taken to address its double nature of being both...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of cultural heritage Vol. 41; pp. 225 - 231
Main Author: Vecco, Marilena
Format: Journal Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier Masson SAS 01.01.2020
Elsevier
Subjects:
Genius loci
Humanities and Social Sciences
Intangible values
Meta-concept
Place
Tangible values
Tangible values
Meta-concept
Intangible values
Genius loci
Place
ISSN:1296-2074, 1778-3674
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:This research presents an analysis of the concept of genius loci over time. It aims to trace its evolution to provide its deeper understanding as a meta-concept. To this end, a holistic approach — including psychic, physical and human components — is taken to address its double nature of being both a reality and an entity. Genius loci is the intangible quality of a material place, perceived both physically and spiritually. It reveals itself through visible tangible and perceivable non-material features. It is also made known by underlying processes, because genius loci is a signifier of a process that is happening and cannot intentionally be created. It is significant in terms of being both the mediator and medium of social interactions. The analysis of genius loci's characteristics allows us to introduce first the concepts of hard and soft values accordingly to a human sustainable development perspective and secondly, the threefold process that should characterise it. This process is a fundamental requirement to preserve and transmit the genius loci.
ISSN:1296-2074
1778-3674
DOI:10.1016/j.culher.2019.07.001