On memory and architecture: constructing the past
No. 18 (2016-01-01)Author(s)
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Isaak Camilo1 Camilo Isaak cisaak@uniandes.edu.co Arquitecto e Historiador de la Universidad de los Andes, Colombia. Master Architectural History & Theory, McGill University, Canada. Profesor Asistente del Departamento de Arquitectura de la Universidad de los Andes, director y miembro del grupo de investigación Historia, Teoría y Crítica de la Arquitectura.
Abstract
A fundamental dimension of architecture is memory, which prepares the stage to connect the past with the present and the future. It is an inherent part of it because without knowing where we have been we have no idea where we are going, and we therefore have no direction. There is, however, a possibility that architecture is able to tell the story of people. This article contemplates architecture as a useful tool to create emotional links between space and places in order to preserve and recall particular memories that are connected with times-gone-by, as well as reminders and transformations that make reference to our current lives. Architecture is able to construct and remind us of the past.
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