Abstract:
Even though there is a new way of life with new technology, new people, and new materials, contemporary architecture should be linked with hints of the past, nature, and the people of the place in which it is being created. A new and elegant place can be created that still holds traces of history and begins to trace back to traditions that once took place, but are beginning to fade away. The past can be a way of life, something that was once very important, but as time has passed the use for and images of this way of life have dwindled away. The new architecture can bring an historic place, event or old tradition back to an existing community. Contemporary architecture should be linked to nature. A site's features existed before the architecture therefore it is essential to pay proper respect to the natural environment. By doing so, the building and the landscape become one where functions of each start to mesh and the landscape starts to shape and support the architecture. The landscape can overlap with the architecture creating connection points where something special can occur to celebrate not only the architecture, but the natural environment and spirit of the site as well. Contemporary architecture should be linked to the people that inhabit the place. The new architecture should tell a story to the people who engage it. The building program will link the people to the architecture and the landscape. The architecture can allow the people who interact with it to learn something about the past, and the user can begin to feel as if they are traveling back in time through a past tradition. As time goes on and new life emerges, it is important to capture and understand a community's past tradition and ideas so stories are passed on and forever held onto.
