Member-only story

Rethinking Dwelling: Heidegger, Place, and Architecture

Clark Bell

·4.9k Followers· Follow

Published in Rethinking Dwelling: Heidegger Place Architecture

5 min read · 1 month before

860 View Claps

44 Respond

Save

Listen

Rethinking Dwelling: Heidegger, Place, Architecture

by Jeff Malpas

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4814 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	256 pages

: TheEnigma of Dwelling

What does it mean to dwell? Is it merely a matter of occupying space or is it something deeper, something that touches the very core of our being? Martin Heidegger, one of the most influential philosophers of the 20th century, believed that dwelling is not simply a physical act but a fundamental existential condition.

Martin Heidegger, Philosopher And Pioneer In Existentialism Rethinking Dwelling: Heidegger Place Architecture

Dwelling as a Way of Being

For Heidegger, dwelling is not an isolated individual activity but a way of being in the world. We dwell in places that are meaningful to us, places that shape our identities and our understanding of ourselves.

The home is a prime example of a dwelling place. It is not merely a roof over our heads but a place where we feel safe, comfortable, and connected to our loved ones. The home is a place where we can be ourselves, where we can grow and develop as individuals.

When we dwell in a place, we are not simply occupying space but we are participating in the world. We are shaping our environment and being shaped by it in return. Dwelling is a dynamic process that involves both our individual and collective experiences.

The Significance of Place

Heidegger believed that place is essential for dwelling. Place is not simply a neutral backdrop for our lives but a dynamic and active force that shapes our experiences and our understanding of the world.

The places where we live, work, and play have a profound impact on our lives. They can inspire us, comfort us, and even challenge us. The built environment is not merely a collection of buildings but a reflection of our values, our beliefs, and our aspirations.

When we design and build places, we are not simply creating physical structures but we are shaping the world around us. We are creating places that will have a lasting impact on the lives of those who inhabit them.

Architecture and the Art of Dwelling

Architecture is the art of creating places for human dwelling. Architects have a responsibility to design places that are not only functional but also meaningful and inspiring.

Heidegger believed that architecture is not simply about creating shelter but about creating places that allow us to dwell authentically. Architecture should not be about imposing our will on the world but about listening to the world and responding to its needs.

When architects design places that are in harmony with the natural environment and that reflect the needs of the people who inhabit them, they are creating truly sustainable places. These are places that will endure for generations to come and that will continue to inspire and uplift those who dwell within them.

: The Importance of Dwelling

Dwelling is a fundamental existential condition that is essential for our well-being. When we dwell authentically, we are not simply occupying space but we are participating in the world and shaping our own destiny.

As architects, philosophers, and individuals, we all have a role to play in creating meaningful and sustainable places for human dwelling. By understanding the essence of dwelling, we can create places that will inspire, comfort, and challenge us, places that will help us to live more authentic and fulfilling lives.

Rethinking Dwelling: Heidegger, Place, Architecture

by Jeff Malpas

5 out of 5