Tradition and modernity on fundamentals and diversities of Mediterranean architecture

Hugo Fernandes

doi:10.47818/drarch.2021.v2i1009

Abstract

Firstly, this article focuses on the origins of modern architecture in addition to the simple binomial academism/modernism that sometimes gives little clarification about the aesthetic, formal or typological options of southern European countries. By widening the spectrum of cultural, mythical and ideological influences at the beginning of the 20th century, other insights are possible, not only with regard to the modern period, but also in the understanding of some paths of Mediterranean contemporary production. In short, this article aims to raise two main questions and how can they be related: 1) Does the identity of Mediterranean architecture come from common fundamentals or from a richness of contrasts and diversities? 2) Can these fundamentals and diversities become “operative” in architectural/urban design? And how do they respond to the globalization phenomena and the possibility of real sustainable achievements?

Highlights

This article focuses on the origins of modern architecture in addition to the simple binomial academism/modernism that sometimes gives little clarification about the aesthetic, formal or typological options of southern European countries
One could say that Mediterranean space and climate was previously shaped by light
Natural phenomena shaped traditions which, on their own, have shaped architecture of what is mostly known as the “rational south”

Summary

Introduction

This article focuses on the origins of modern architecture in addition to the simple binomial academism/modernism that sometimes gives little clarification about the aesthetic, formal or typological options of southern European countries. This article aims to raise two main questions and how can they be related: 1) Does the identity of Mediterranean architecture come from common fundamentals or from a richness of contrasts and diversities? Natural phenomena shaped traditions which, on their own, have shaped architecture of what is mostly known as the “rational south”. Could this be consequence of the vernacular related to the natural human need of understanding space both as pragmatic and symbolic phenomena? H. Fernandes / Tradition and modernity on fundamentals and diversities of Mediterranean architecture the true sense of the term. The positive ideas of the Machine Age opened the door to some ruptures, some fundamental aspects of romantic culture would endure in the nationalist and nostalgic myths of the new century, such as cultural values of identity and uniqueness, in parallel with the progressive values of modernity

Objectives

Findings

Conclusion