Tradition as Mediation: Louis I. Kahn The Dominican Motherhouse & The Hurva Synagogue Routledge Research in Architecture Series

This book explores Louis I. Kahn's approach to tradition as revealed in two of his important, unbuilt, projects. Focusing on Kahn's designs for the Dominican Motherhouse of St. Catherine de Ricci, Media, Pennsylvania (1965-1969), and the Hurva Synagogue, Jerusalem, Israel (1967-1974), the book challenges prevailing aesthetic and methodological assessments of Kahn's use of tradition. It reveals how an authentic and critical theoretical-historical and humanistic study of tradition nourished Kahn's designs, enabling him to mediate historical rituals, ideas and beliefs ? and to develop innovative designs rooted deep in human culture while addressing real modern concerns. The book evaluates Kahn's works as a creative recreation and re-interpretation of the past, shedding light on the potential value of the meaningful consideration of tradition in modern times.

Section I 1. Weak Truth 2. Institutions on Trial 3. Proto Forms as Seeds of Desire Section 2 Part 1: The Dominican Motherhouse of St. Catherine de Ricci, Media Pennsylvania, 1965-1969 1. The Architectural Challenge 2. Design Schemes 3. Proto Forms as Seeds of Desire 4. Mnemonic Images and Programs 5. The Motherhouse after Kahn Part 2: The Hurva Synagogue The Old City of Jerusalem, 1967-1974 1. A New Institution 2. Design Proposals 3. Proto Forms as Seeds of Desire 4. Mnemonic Images and Programs 5. The Hurva Synagogue after Kahn Section III LEARNING FROM KAHN Conclusion: Mediation Kahn's Mnemonic Images and Programs

Dana Margalith is a lecturer at Tel-Aviv University, Israel, and a practicing architect.