Architecture and identity

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This book explores the intricate relationship between identity and architecture, addressing a widespread concern about identity loss linked to urban environments. It offers a global, multidisciplinary perspective on how contemporary architectural identities are formed. The central hypothesis posits that in a globalized world, architectural identity cannot simply be derived from distinct indigenous patterns. Featuring forty contributions from various fields, the book seeks to dismantle the myth of a fixed or inheritable identity. Some authors challenge long-held beliefs about identity as solid and unchangeable, while others delve into the processes by which identities are constructed within specific societies or regions. It argues that identity is not predetermined by one's location or ancestry, nor is it inherently tied to the notion of ownership. Instead, it can be actively constructed by individuals, groups, and communities. This perspective encourages a more nuanced understanding of globalization and modernization, moving away from a purely negative view and highlighting the potential for identity formation in an interconnected world.