Genius loci

The Latin term genius loci literally means " the spirit of the place ".

With spirit was originally in Roman mythology, a guardian spirit ( genius ) meant, which was often depicted in the form of a snake. The term genius loci referred to in ancient Roman times besides religious places like temples and places of worship on secular areas such as provinces, cities, places, buildings or individual rooms within these buildings.

In the tradition of monotheistic Christianity, the term is defined spirit differently, namely as a not exactly be determined spirituality. In this sense, genius loci refers to the spiritual atmosphere of a place that will be shaped by the spirit of the people who have lived there or even stop it. For example, the genius loci of the monastery Maulbronn a central theme in the works of Hermann Hesse (especially in Beneath the Wheel and Narcissus and Goldmund ).

In architecture, the term also refers to the structural requirements and characteristics of a place, which may be determinative design significantly. For each plot initially is defined by its location and its embedding into its surroundings, here it gains its significance, its characteristics and uses. But the genius loci is not solely on the soil conditions, the size of an area and other measurable factors together, but rather includes the atmosphere and aura of a place. In this sense, the genius loci is a construct in which knowledge, memory, perception and interpretation merge as interpretative power of the human spirit. In order to achieve a fancy building with its own character and ambiance, the genius loci is often incorporated into the design process for a building. In particular, in the integration of historic buildings of the genius loci plays an important role in the architecture when it is the points of contact that provides a place to pick up and transfer it in the future. For example in the structural reallocation of old church buildings.

In politics, the term stands for the symbolic negotiation of a resort, were negotiated and signed to the major bilateral or multilateral treaties (such as the Hall of Mirrors in the Palace of Versailles ) or to the other historically significant events took place (eg, lossy battles such as Verdun or Stalingrad ).