Write here: a writers' retreat in the Swartberg mountains
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Date
2020
Authors
Carlisle, Leigh- Anne
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Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of the Free State
Abstract
This investigation explores how to mitigate the lack of inspiration and the distraction of everyday life that writers struggle with, by experiencing a writers' retreat in the Swartberg Mountain range in the Western Cape Province. The proposed design for the retreat explores the relationship between the writer's deep and self- conscious minds. The dissertation considers the question: How can a designed place of isolation in nature stimulate the awareness within the self in order to promote the engagement of the deep and self- conscious minds during the writing process? During the writing process the awareness of the self, of nature and of the self in nature is important. Few other buildings show this awareness specific for writers in nature while exploring the deep and self- conscious minds. This dissertation aims to propose a place with spatial awareness to create various experiences and interactions between man and nature, the self and the self- less, isolation and integration. This study engaged with theoretical constructs of; the deep mind and the self-conscious mind a theory devised by Maggie Ross as well as The Art of Travel written by Alain De Botton, the self and the awareness of the self as well as the concept of being- in- the- world theories by Martin Heidegger. It also made use of case studies and precedents during the investigation into the writing process, and how architecture can enhance the writing process. The proposed design can demystify the writing through an enhanced spatial experience in places such as the Swartberg Mountains.
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Keywords
Dissertation (M.Arch. (Architecture))--University of the Free State, 2020, Swartberg Mountain Range - South Africa, Writers' retreats, Swartberg Pass - South Africa, Writers, Writing