Conflict and mutual continuity between locality and modernism: Nordic architecture as a case study


Thesis Type: Postgraduate

Institution Of The Thesis: Orta Doğu Teknik Üniversitesi, Faculty of Architecture, Department of Architecture, Turkey

Approval Date: 2015

Student: ERKUT SANCAR

Supervisor: CELAL ABDİ GÜZER

Abstract:

This thesis focuses on the idea that modernism and locality are not the opposed ends, in fact they are compatible and inseparable concepts which survive within each other. According to this thought both preservation of local differences and progressive development is possible. This thesis is structured in three chapters in order to express the main idea in detail. First, despite the plurality of different expressions within modernism, the oversimplification of a broad concept to a single formalist style and the problems resulted from this reduction are examined. Then, regionalism is promoted as an alternative solution. Due to the fact that the term has the risk of formalist imitation of historical and traditional forms, the thesis focused on the concept of critical regionalism. It is practice of resistance against the homogenization of social and built environment, while seeking the dialectic interaction between civilization and culture. In the last chapter the interpretation of the modern movement in Nordic Architecture with regard to critical regionalism is evaluated. The themes: socially responsive, dialogue with surrounding context, the emphasis on tactile quality and sense of place are analyzed within the Nordic architecture.