1st Edition

Christian Norberg-Schulz’s Interpretation of Heidegger’s Philosophy Care, Place and Architecture

By Hendrik Auret Copyright 2019
    250 Pages
    by Routledge

    250 Pages 28 B/W Illustrations
    by Routledge

    Christian Norberg-Schulz’s Interpretation of Heidegger’s Philosophy investigates the theoretical contribution of the world-renowned Norwegian architectural theorist Christian Norberg-Schulz and considers his architectural interpretation of the writings of German philosopher Martin Heidegger. Though widely recognised as providing the most comprehensive reading of Heideggerian philosophy through the lens of architecture, this book argues that Norberg-Schulz neglected one of the key aspects of the philosopher’s contributions: the temporal nature of being-in-the-world as care. The undeveloped architectural implications of the ontological concept of care in his work prevented the fruition of his ultimate aim, transforming the ‘art of place’ into an ‘art of living’.





    This book seeks to realign Norberg-Schulz’s understanding of time as continuity and change to present a holistic approach grounded in Heidegger’s phenomenological philosophy; architecture as art of care. Aimed at academics and scholars in architectural theory, history and philosophy, Christian Norberg-Schulz’s Interpretation of Heidegger’s Philosophy surveys the implications and significance of Norberg-Schulz's works on architectural criticism in the late 20th century.

    Preface  1. Introduction  2. Christian Norberg-Schulz and the art of place  3. Heidegger’s concept of care  4. The art of care  5. Conclusion  Glossary of terms  Endnotes  Acknowledgements  Bibliography  Archival material

    Biography

    Hendrik Auret is a senior lecturer at the University of the Free State (UFS), South Africa, and registered as a professional architect. In 2007 he won the National Corobrik Architectural Student of the Year Award, the title accorded the best master’s design dissertation from all South African architecture learning sites. Hendrik received his Ph.D. in architecture from the UFS in 2015. This is his first book.

    ‘Christian Norberg-Schulz was one of the preeminent 20th-century architectural theorists. Auret critically reviews how Martin Heidegger’s philosophy grounded Norberg-Schulz’s architectural phenomenology and how contemporary architecture might be revitalized as an "art of care" that envisions buildings and places as spatial-temporal "regions of care." Auret offers a convincing, supportive counter to recent critical studies that undercut Norberg-Schulz’s work, claiming it is a misreading of Heidegger. The book is a timely contribution to architectural theory, especially environmental hermeneutics and architectural phenomenology.’

    David Seamon, Kansas State University, USA; Editor, Environmental and Architectural Phenomenology

     

    "In many ways, Christian Norberg-Schulz’s place theory is more relevant today than when it was first written. That is why Hendrik Auret´s book is important and timely. The book provides a comprehensive consideration of Norberg-Schulz’s lifelong search for a deeper understanding of how architectural work is related to life. Auret´s research is attentive and thorough, and he presents his work regarding the "art of care" as a way towards designing and appreciating architecture as an art of life."

    Gro Lauvland, Associate Professor, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Norway

     

    'In his book, Christian Norberg-Schulz’s Interpretation of Heidegger’s Philosophy, Hendrik Auret has provided significant insight into a crucial ‘blind spot’ in Norberg-Schulz’s interpretation of Heidegger’s fundamental ontological account of human being, or Dasein – one that might have made an important difference in his understanding of the implications of Heidegger’s thought for architecture. Far from resigning himself to accepting that Norberg-Schulz’s work is terminally vitiated by this omission, however, Auret has managed to breathe new life into the Nor