What is the Genius loci? What is yours meaning and what are the reasons to consider it? The genius loci it is the distinctive feature of a garden or a natural environment, a bit like character for a person. Many times it is not difficult to grasp the genius loci of a place, such as that of the Greek islands or Provence. However, in other places, such as in the provincial villages of Northern Italy, or in modern cities, it is difficult to understand how to create a trait d’union between landscape and garden. Very often, in these cases, the genius loci is completely betrayed or ignored, giving life to an anonymous garden that is decidedly in disagreement with the surrounding environment. So here are the garden design tips to understand the genius loci of a landscape or a garden.
There exact definition of Genius Loci it is a natural and supernatural entity linked to a place and object of worship, in the Roman religion. But what is the meaning of the genius loci in architecture? By genius loci we mean the soul of a garden, the one that determines its character and personality. It is not always easy to understand what the genius loci of a place is, however it is very important to take it into consideration, to avoid creating a garden that clashes with the surrounding landscape.
Among the landscapes in which the genius loci it is very evident we can mention the Provencal style garden, the Sicilian courtyards or those of Tuscany or the terraces of the houses in the Greek Islands, all spaces immersed in landscaped environments steeped in history, culture but also known from a media point of view. Here the combination of farmhouse with garden or, in the case of the Greek islands, house with sea view and terrace, is so easy to interpret that the genius loci will be easy to obtain.
In this splendid sea-view terrace of a house in Greece, it is easy to spot the genius loci, which is closely linked to the proximity of the place to the sea.
In a city, find the genius loci, it is definitely more difficult, however, even here it is possible to create personalized spaces with a strong character, in line with the spirit of the city. Rome, which over the years has maintained a strong link with its rural spirit, finds in this splendid terrace (photo below) the mix between what is the modern city and the world of the past. Plants and trees create a green oasis in the city center, transforming this terrace into a place of peace and relaxation, modern and functional.
