The anthropological dimension of architecture in the phenomenology of Christian Norberg-Schulz: Theoretical problems of (anthropo)center in architecture through the perception of the interior space

Abstract

The subject of this paper are postulates of Christian Norberg-Schulz within the theory of architecture of the second half of the 20th century which can be connected with the interpretation of a man and the interior space as primary determinants of architectural existence on the existential and functional level. In line with the impacts of other phenomenologists whose stances Christian Norberg-Schulz often quotes in his books, the research implies a wider framework in the interpretation of the paper subject. Therefore examining the impacts of the most significant figures for Norberg- Schulz?s work on the subject of existence, dwelling, and a man?s attitude toward space, such as Heidegger, Bollnow, Bachelard. The aim of this paper is the research of the anthropological dimension of Norberg-Schulz?s theory of architecture, i.e. the architecture-body relation compared to architecture-place relation as the theorist?s dominant standpoint expressed through the ?concept of place? phrase. Considering the primary aim, this paper is focused on the problem of interpreting the center in architecture, where a man is simultaneously defined as an integral component of architectural space or, on the contrary, as an independent perceptive figure. The research methods used in this paper are the reproductive synthesis, inductive method of agreement and difference, as well as the method of causal analysis.