Regionalism: (1) modern architecture and cultural identity

The phenomenon of universalization. while being an advancement of mankind. at the same time constitutes a sort of subtle destruction. not only of traditional cultures. which might not be an irreparable wrong. but also of what I Shall call for the time being the creative nucleus of great civilizations and great culture, that nucleus on the basis of which we interpret life. what Inhale call in advance-the ethical and mythical nucleus of mankind. The conflict …

…timberwork of China and Japan. The intention behind these procedures of deconstruction and re-synthesis seems to be as follows: first, to revitalize certain devalued Occidental forms through an Oriental recasting of their essential nature; and second to indicate the secularization of the institutions represented by these forms. This is arguably a more appropriate way to render a church in a secular age, where traditional ecclesiastical iconography always risks de- generating into kitsch. to be continued...