Towards a redefinition of 'context'

Abstract

Context is an ever-present yet elusive issue in architecture and it is difficult for any two people to agree about its definition or role in architecture. Yet context casts a long shadow over architectural design no matter how it is defined. This ambiguity does not stop people from invoking context as an argument to prevent new and innovative architecture from being realized. Not to negate context, this thesis concerns itself with finding an appropriate balance between the varying factors that exert an influence over the design of architecture with regard to context. This thesis intends to argue that context is in fact an argument for aesthetic and technological change in architecture. Specifically, it is through the design of a winery in Italy that the thesis engages ideas of context and identity and presents a challenging opportunity for the redefinition of context as the careful convergence of local culture, climate, materials, economics and traditions with the global nature of the production, marketing and sales of wine and with our broadened knowledge base of how to build in closer cooperation with natural forces.