The issue of the second discussion in Darmstadt was set under the title “Mensch und Raum” (Man and Space) August 5th, 1951. The lecture, which was presented by Martin Heidegger called “Building – Dwelling – Thinking”. This lecture will obtain the most important interest in this paper.
The main intention is to understand what Martin Heidegger meant with his philosophical approach towards architecture and also trying to see what is the purpose of architecture. The art of architecture with its enigma will be enlightened or will be still a mystery. To look for hints and statements in several sources will hopefully help us to find a way or at least will let us understand.
The aim towards this goal at first is to explain the most important terms, which Martin Heidegger is using. Especially with Martin Heidegger it will be important to know, what kind of language he is using and what is behind the terms he using in his descriptions. An other point which makes it important to deal with, will be the problem that we have two disciplines: philosophy and architecture, we know that the use of certain terms can be different in these cases, so similar than Martin Heidegger was doing it in his work “Building – Dwelling – Thinking”, there will be an explanation of the important terms.
The second part will deal with the explanation and the understanding of the enigma we worked on trough this paper. If it will be possible to understand or will it be to abstract to explain in such a short work.
For the fact, that the lecture was presented more than 50 years ago and for an amount of time almost nobody was interested in this work, it became more and more important in the last decades, especially in the theoretical architecture, as well as in philosophy and art itself. Therefore the main resources are based on articles, writings about Martin Heidegger and his own writings.
By the end we will hopefully understand the idea of “Building – Dwelling – Thinking” and how Martin Heidegger thought about architecture as a way of being and dwelling.
Table of Contents
Introduction
1. Introduction
2.0 Terms
2.1 Building
2.2 Dwelling
2.3 The Four Quarters
3.0 The Concept of Heidegger Approach
4.0 A Closer Look from the Architect Point of View Towards
4.1 Dwelling and Building
4.1 The Spirit of Word and or Place
5.0 Final statement
6.0 References
Research Objectives & Core Topics
This paper examines Martin Heidegger's philosophical perspective on architecture, specifically focusing on his seminal lecture "Building – Dwelling – Thinking". The primary objective is to clarify the conceptual terminology used by Heidegger, reconcile the distinct disciplines of philosophy and architecture, and analyze how Heidegger's theories offer a deeper understanding of architecture as an existential practice beyond mere functionalism.
- The etymological foundations of terms like "building" and "dwelling".
- The conceptual framework of "The Four Quarters" in Heideggerian thought.
- A critical evaluation of the historical shift in modern architecture and its loss of metaphysical depth.
- The architect's role in creating places that allow for the "appearance" of nature and being.
Excerpt from the Book
4.1 Dwelling and Building
Heidegger, in his essay, attempts to recover and re-assert some to this world and worldview. More specifically, but etymologically tracing the roots of the terms “to build” and “to dwell”, he uncovers not only their original meaning, but more important, he is able to determine what their real nature is, and the role they play for our being, and our being in the world. His conclusions are that building is really about dwelling and that dwelling is about the initiation and exploration of our being, the manner we humans are as mortals on this earth. In his description of a 200-year-old Black-forest-farm he portrays the house as something that needs to be there just to please nature and its beauty, its harmonious balance and the integration into a coherent whole. By this example of a building, Martin Heidegger does not want to say that the architects should turn back and build such houses, but he wants to show the way of dwelling lies in the way of such a building. Architecture should connect our inner with our outer world and brings them – at least temporarily – into congruence, thereby revealing to us some of the mystery of both. What he also wanted to say is, that dwelling is the main feature of being.
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: Outlines the significance of Heidegger's 1951 lecture in Darmstadt and sets the paper's goal of exploring the intersection of philosophy and architectural practice.
1. Introduction: Provides the academic context for the study, emphasizing the need to interpret Heidegger’s specific terminology to understand his view on the purpose of architecture.
2.0 Terms: Defines the essential nomenclature—building, dwelling, and the four quarters—necessary to engage with Heidegger's philosophy.
2.1 Building: Investigates the etymological roots of "to build," linking it to growth, being, and the Greek concept of physis.
2.2 Dwelling: Explores the Old English and Saxon origins of the term, framing dwelling as a peaceful, protected state of being in relation to nature.
2.3 The Four Quarters: Discusses Heidegger's structural model of the world consisting of soil, sky, epiphany, and mortals.
3.0 The Concept of Heidegger Approach: Analyzes the historical and temporal context of the "Man and Space" conference, highlighting the modern crisis of "homelessness."
4.0 A Closer Look from the Architect Point of View Towards: Re-examines the relationship between architects and philosophical discourse, critiquing the shift from existential to purely technical goals.
4.1 Dwelling and Building: Elaborates on the necessity for architecture to transcend simple utility and act as a medium that reveals the mystery of being.
4.1 The Spirit of Word and or Place: Explains the Greek notion of "techne" and how a bridge serves as a metaphor for transforming space into place.
5.0 Final statement: Summarizes the findings, concluding that architecture, as an enigma, is fundamentally about the poetic mystery of dwelling.
6.0 References: Lists the academic sources used to substantiate the philosophical arguments.
Keywords
Martin Heidegger, Architecture, Building, Dwelling, Four Quarters, Man and Space, Techne, Physis, Philosophy of Architecture, Existentialism, Spatial Order, Modernism, Functionalism, Being, Human Environment
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fundamental focus of this paper?
The paper explores Martin Heidegger's philosophical insights regarding architecture, specifically analyzing his lecture "Building – Dwelling – Thinking" to understand how these concepts shape human existence.
What are the primary themes discussed?
Key themes include the etymology of architectural terms, the philosophical concept of "dwelling," the "Four Quarters" model of reality, and the critique of modern architecture's obsession with technical functionalism.
What is the core research objective?
The aim is to bridge the gap between philosophy and architecture, enabling readers to understand how buildings can move beyond utilitarian functions to support the authentic nature of human dwelling.
What scientific or philosophical method is employed?
The paper uses an analytical and interpretive approach, tracing the etymology of central terms and synthesizing Heidegger's philosophical writings with architectural theory to evaluate his concepts.
What does the main body address?
It covers the definition of core terms, the historical context of Heidegger's 1951 lecture, the "Four Quarters" structure, and the contrast between modern technical architecture and the traditional essence of building.
Which keywords best characterize the work?
Relevant keywords include Martin Heidegger, Architecture, Dwelling, Building, Techne, Physis, and the Philosophy of Architecture.
How does Heidegger define the role of an architect?
Heidegger suggests that the architect’s role is not merely to design functional structures, but to create compositions that allow for the "appearance" of the environment, turning empty space into a meaningful "place."
What is meant by the "misery of our time" mentioned in the text?
It refers to "home landlessness," a condition where humanity has become detached from the true nature of dwelling, focusing too heavily on technical progress rather than the philosophical essence of being at home in the world.
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- Marco Kaiser (Autor:in), 2003, Architecture from a Heideggerin point of view, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/78898
