WHAT DOES "GENUS LOCI" MEAN?

"Genus Loci" is a term embraced by architectural historian/theoretician Christian Norberg-Schulz. Basically, it means "sense of place" or "spirit of place". Norberg-Schulz was interested in the influence of the setting and environment on design. I am deeply indebted to Professor John J. Pron, at Temple University's architecture school, for introducing me to the work of Norberg-Schulz.

WHY "GENUS LOCI"?

Coming from an architectural background, I was intrigued by the transfer of the metaphors of space and place to the internet. In a literal sense, of course, the internet is not spatial, and yet, people still need to know where they are, how they got there, what the nature of "there" is, and where they can go from there.

Actually, I find that my architectural education is very applicable to the sorts of problem-solving, design and building required in cyberspace. Many architects go on to apply their abilities to problem domains outside of traditional architecture. Take a look at the comments of architect-turned-information architect Fu-Tien Chiou at boxesandarrows.com.

ABOUT ME

My name is Hal Taylor. I studied Architecture at Temple University and SCI-Arc, and then became interested in the design and development of software products, and their optimization for actual human beings. If you'd like to know more about me, take a look at:

• My Background
• My CV
• My Other Interests

Or take a look at the Genus-Loci Home Page to see some of the things that have been on my mind lately.