Genius Loci

This book introduces the concept, history and phenomenon of the genius loci (spirit of a place). It spans an arc from the Roman concept of “genius loci” to today’s (mainly) neophenomenological debate on the concept of place-based “atmospheres” (H. Schmitz et al.). In this way, the author demonstrates that places with character and “aura” (W. Benjamin) promote a sense of home and local history. He repeatedly explores the question of what this means for urban and landscape planning, and which genius loci-related criteria should be taken into account. Numerous concrete examples and experiences are used to show that two methods are decisive for sensing and deciphering places that have an impact on our lifeworld: the neophenomenological and the hermeneutic. This means that a diachronic historical-hermeneutic approach is used alongside the synchronous bodily-phenomenological approach. Finally, the author revises Hermann Schmitz’s aesthetic-phenomenological method. With reference to Bettina von Arnim, Ludwig Klages and Tonino Griffero, he develops a three-step process – a pathic dialogue with nature: resonating – corresponding – poeticising.