The seminar Genius Loci, an essential part of our second year of the Master's in Architecture, focuses on understanding, analyzing (and potentially reintroducing) the Zeitgeist. Genius Loci calls for an in-depth study of the layers of history, context, and craftsmanship that together form meaningful architecture. This year marks the beginning of a triptych, with the focus on the works of the Italian architect Carlo Scarpa.

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We will concentrate on Scarpa’s work in the Castelvecchio in Verona. The project offers us the opportunity to explore the complexity of Scarpa's work and translate his unique approach to design, detail, and materiality into a physical 1:33 scale model.

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Carlo Scarpa’s renovation of Castelvecchio (1956-1975) is a key example of how old and new architecture can complement each other. His work in the castle demonstrates a deep sensitivity to the historical context, combined with a keen eye for detail and tactility. Scarpa's interventions in Castelvecchio are much more than just aesthetic refinement; they reflect an understanding of construction joints as crucial linkages between different architectural elements. Each construction joint in the project tells a story about connections: between materials, historical time periods, and the physical space of the castle. This layering makes Castelvecchio an ideal case study for our seminar.