The Semiotics of Timelessness: Reading 'Mythic' Architecture

Abstract

Taking the cue from a text on the subject by Pavese (Del mito, del simbolo e d'altro), this article explores the phenomenology of experiencing a certain place or building as 'mythical', 'timeless'. Norbert-Schulz's plea for 'existential architecture' that has 'mythic qualities is re-evaluated in the light of Hans Blumenberg's philosophic anthropology and his theory of myth. Eventually, the conclusion will be drawn that the idea of the mythical, universal and timeless only become meaningful and tangible to us through experiences, stories and images that are personal, unique and subjective.