Intentions in Architecture – Christian Norberg-Schulz – 1965
Intentions in Architecture
Christian Norberg-Schulz’s Intentions in Architecture, first published in 1965, examines the underlying principles that shape architectural design, moving beyond purely formal or functional descriptions. The book posits that architecture is fundamentally about creating meaningful places, informed by human perception and cultural context. Norberg-Schulz argues that buildings are not simply objects in space, but rather frameworks for experience, resonating with a pre-conscious understanding of place and dwelling. He meticulously analyzes examples from diverse architectural traditions – from Greek temples to modern housing – to reveal how architects intentionally or unintentionally tap into archetypal spatial qualities and evoke specific emotional responses in the observer.
Historical / Cultural Context
This work emerged during a period of significant architectural and philosophical shifts. The post-war era saw a questioning of modernist principles, with architects and theorists seeking a more humanistic and phenomenological approach to design. Norberg-Schulz’s book aligns with this movement, drawing heavily on existential philosophy, particularly the work of Martin Heidegger, and Gestalt psychology. Heidegger’s emphasis on “dwelling” and the importance of place profoundly influenced Norberg-Schulz’s argument that architecture should not merely provide shelter but should foster a sense of belonging and identity. The book’s influence extends beyond architectural circles, providing a framework for understanding how built environments impact human consciousness and experience. It served as a counterpoint to the more technical and utilitarian strains within architectural discourse.
Who This Book Is For
Intentions in Architecture is primarily aimed at students and practitioners of architecture, landscape architecture, and urban planning. However, its interdisciplinary nature – bridging architecture, philosophy, psychology, and cultural history – also makes it relevant to those interested in the broader field of environmental psychology, visual studies, and the phenomenology of space. Readers interested in how cultural values are embodied in the built environment will find the book intellectually stimulating. It requires a willingness to engage with complex theoretical concepts, but offers a rewarding exploration of the deeper meanings embedded within architectural form.
Further Reading
- Experiencing Architecture by Steen Eiler Rasmussen: Explores the sensory experience of architecture, echoing Norberg-Schulz’s focus on perception.
- The Eyes of the Skin by Juhani Pallasmaa: Examines the relationship between architecture, the body, and the senses.
- Spirit of Place by Christian Norberg-Schulz: A related work that further develops the concepts introduced in Intentions in Architecture, focusing on the concept of ‘genius loci’.
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