De – form to Re – form. Architectural Preservation as Safekeeping of the Performative Structure of Space: An Experimental Study for the Temple of Apollo Epicurius at Bassae

Περίληψη

The paper discusses how classical Greek architecture can be and has been used as an example of a primordial ontological structure founded on dynamic relationships between the acting human beings and their environment. In this frame we characterize classical Greek architecture as “performative” as its rationale can be described as an articulation of scenes that resonate cultural narratives through the bodily experience of its material presence in a similar sense with the scenes in a performance. Although such an ontological structure was largely articulated and discussed in the philosophy of the 20th century, the paper attempts to identify traces of such conceptions in the 18th and 19th century architectural discourse, especially in the design principles of English gardens and the notion of picturesque. Following texts by Choisy and later Eisenstein we study how classical Greek monuments are used as examples to represent architectural space as a dramatic / performative sequence. From there we move on to show how the common preservation practices (anastylosis) and policies concerning ancient monuments in Greece conceal this dimension and contribute, along with other aspects of modern culture, to the reduction of monuments to mere objects rather than vibrant storytelling material entities. The research concludes with a brief presentation of an experimental design project that takes as a case study the Temple of Apollo Epicurius at Bassae. The project attempts to reconcile the practices of preservation with the scenographic/performative character of classical architecture discussed in the paper. To support this objective, it prioritizes the “anastylosis” of articulated scenes that occur as visitors experience these spaces, rather than solely focusing on the “anastylosis” of the material form. Simultaneously, it investigates the possibility of monuments reclaiming a vivid place in contemporary culture and everyday life, aiming to engage with active users rather than passive tourists / visitors. The project draws inspiration from the very practices of anastylosis in order to create spatial conditions that can allow the reception of contemporary uses.