Flow Architecture – Folk Architecture

Csikszentmihályi is credited with the theory of flow in psychology, which is a mental state that occurs during concentrated activity. His related books have reached millions. In 2018, Hungarian poet and writer Géza Szőcs met him in Budapest and during their conversation they agreed to extend the psychological theory of flow to architecture. The idea of a “follow architecture” project was born, but unfortunately both died before intensive collaboration could begin.

Zsadány Vécsey has worked closely with Csikszentmihályi since 2007. Shortly before his death, Szőcs organised a few meetings in Hungary, where the idea of “flow architecture” was discussed. Dénes Nagy and Zsadány Vécsey also attended these meetings, and Valeria Inkler had some conversations with Szőcs during the 2019 Kanazawa Congress and Exhibition.

Taking the opportunity of the conference on vernacular architecture, Dénes Nagy proposed to join forces and move forward with the idea of “flow architecture”, learning from the traditions of vernacular architecture, with the aim of making proposals to harmonise the built and natural environment and to help create “happy homes”.

It is also a tribute to Mihály Csikszentmihályi (1934-2021) and Géza Szőcs (1953-2020). The document can be downloaded in English.