Decrypting the Evolution of an Architectural Language A Journey of the Works Carlo Scarpa

Abstract

It takes architects a lifetime to develop their identity as there are constant changes in the field as it’s ever evolving. There are changes in styles and methods all around the world now and this field has faced brutal changes throughout the centu ry. Italy can be considered the haven of architecture as it has given birth to the most influential styles and characteristics for the world to follow. One such architect is Carlo Scarpa. Carlo Scarpa belongs to the second generation of modern architects from Venice who became known for his detailed character given to any element. It can be said without doubt that Italy has made him the architect he is. Carlo Scarpa’s work refined the architectural ‘preservation’, ’renovation’, ’conservation’, intervention’, ‘restoration’ and ‘reconstitu tion’ where his prime focus was the experience of the inhab itant that shaped the architecture. His works are one to be experienced to be evaluated and understood. But he was not limited to just Italy and its architecture. He made himself aware of also the Asian happenings and brought it into his works. To study the evolution of Scarpa’s architecture lan guage and its evolution is what is to be tackled in this thesis. It will be done by looking through his works till his last building which is the Brion Cemetery and to see how that is the cumu lation of all his works so far. Many structures have been made to signify death be it to glorify the dead or to pay a tribute, what has remained constant is the factor of remembrance. Cemeteries are one type of structure in the above-men tioned structures where the ritual of being buried with a tomb-stone over the grave is followed which forms a unique landmark for remembrance for the people coming to visit. How Carlo Scarpa perceives a cemetery will be looked into.