Building, Dwelling, Thinking is a philosophical essay written by the German philosopher Martin Heidegger. Published in 1951 as part of his collection Poetry, Language, Thought, the essay delves into the profound relationship between human existence, architecture, and the act of dwelling. Martin Heidegger (1889–1976) is one of the most influential philosophers of the 20th century. He played a significant role in the development of existential and phenomenological thought and his work has had a profound impact on fields ranging from philosophy to literature, architecture, and beyond.
Building, Dwelling, Thinking | Summary & Analysis
Heidegger compares the modern, scientific perspective on things with the notion that things are the places where the truth of ‘Being’ is disclosed. This disclosed reality is felt through art, especially poetry. He looks at how thinking, living, and building are related to where man is in relation to the planet. Building and habitation are related terms that signify settling, farming, and constructing dwellings. Heidegger proposes the idea of the fourfold, which shapes the essence of things and consists of the earth, sky, mortals, and divinities. ‘Dwelling’ denotes human presence on Earth, but ‘building’ illustrates the development of things from the ground up. This viewpoint maintains the dance of concealment and un-concealment in Being. A better comprehension can be attained by accepting the idea that “Being” is defined by the fourfold united presencing.
Building, Dwelling, Thinking, Section I | Summary & Analysis
Heidegger delves into the relationship between dwelling and building, emphasizing that building should not be seen solely as a technique or art of construction, but rather as a fundamental aspect of human existence. He explores the concept of dwelling and its connection to a building, highlighting that not all buildings are dwellings. While some structures, like houses, provide lodgings, true dwelling goes beyond mere habitation. Language plays a crucial role in revealing the essence of things, and the Old High German word for building, ‘buan,’ actually means to dwell. This lost meaning is preserved in the word ‘Nachbar,’ or neighbor, signifying a near-dweller. The original sense of ‘bauen’ implies dwelling, caring, preserving, and cultivating the earth. Heidegger asserts that true building is a mode of dwelling, and this understanding of dwelling has been overshadowed by activities like cultivation and construction. Ultimately, dwelling as a fundamental aspect of human existence often goes unnoticed and unacknowledged.
Heidegger reflects on how language often obscures the original meaning of words, like ‘bauen’ (to build), which actually signifies dwelling. He explores the threefold nature of building and dwelling:
1. Building is truly dwelling.
2. Dwelling characterizes how mortals exist on Earth.
3. Building unfolds as cultivating and erecting structures.
He emphasizes that all building is rooted in dwelling and that language’s primal call is vital for understanding these concepts. He discusses how ‘bauen’ means to remain or stay in a place, resonating with the idea of being at peace. Dwelling involves a sense of preservation, safeguarding, and nurturing. The essence of dwelling encompasses being on Earth, under the sky, with divinities, and belonging to fellow humans. The unity of Earth, sky, divinities, and mortals is the ‘fourfold.’ Mortals safeguard the fourfold through dwelling, with Earth, sky, and divinities. Mortals also foster a good death and initiate themselves into mortality. Dwelling’s essence lies in staying with things, where things themselves secure the fourfold when they’re allowed to be in their essence. Dwelling brings the essence of the fourfold into things, ensuring unity. Cultivating and constructing are forms of building, and dwelling’s preservation of the fourfold involves building.
Building, Dwelling, Thinking, Section II | Summary & Analysis
Building belongs to dwelling in the sense that a built thing, like a bridge, is a manifestation of dwelling. Heidegger uses the example of a bridge to illustrate this concept. A bridge is not just a functional structure connecting two banks; it gathers the fourfold – Earth, sky, divinities, and mortals – into a unified whole. The bridge doesn’t merely connect existing banks; it creates the very notion of banks by stretching across the stream. It unites different landscapes and brings them into proximity. The bridge guides the stream’s flow while enabling people to traverse it, initiating their journeys. Traditional thinking tends to underestimate the essence of things, often reducing them to perceptible properties. Heidegger emphasizes that the bridge is a thing that not only gathers the fourfold but also provides a locale, which in turn defines spaces. Spaces are created by locales, and Raum (space) is understood as a place freed for settlement and lodging. In essence, spaces receive their existence from locales, not from a vague concept of ‘space.’ Thus, building, exemplified by the bridge, is an essential part of dwelling as it creates locales that give rise to spaces.
Buildings understood as locales that provide space, play a crucial role in the relationship between locales, spaces, and the essence of human dwelling. When considering the essence of buildings, it is important to recognize their relation to spaces, space itself, and the connection between humans and space. A locale, such as a bridge, allows a space that contains many places within it. However, spaces should not be seen merely as measurable distances or abstract dimensions. The mathematical concepts of distance and extension, while useful for measurement, do not encompass the true essence of spaces and locales. Spaces are provided for by locales, and they are opened up through the dwelling of mortals.
The idea of ‘space’ as something external or separate from humans is challenged. Space is not an object or inner experience; rather, it is an integral part of human dwelling. When humans think about distant places or objects, they are already present in those spaces through their essence of dwelling. Mortals persist through spaces by their very nature of dwelling among things and locales. Even in introspection or reflection, humans do not disconnect from their relationship with things; they remain connected to the fourfold – Earth, sky, divinities, and mortals. The loss of rapport with things, as in states of depression, is only possible because of the inherent human state of staying with things.
Man’s relationship with locales and spaces is inherent in the act of dwelling. The essence of the relationship between man and space is indeed dwelling itself. When we contemplate the connection between locales, spaces, and man, it sheds light on the nature of buildings. A locale, such as a bridge, allows the fourfold – earth, sky, divinities, and mortals – to enter a site by organizing it into spaces. The locale both admits and installs the fourfold, making room for it in a double sense. In this way, locales function as shelters or houses for human life, encompassing more than just traditional dwellings. The act of creating such locales is building. Building corresponds to the character of locales that allow spaces, making it a founding and joining of spaces. By constructing locales, buildings produce spaces and incorporate them into the structure of buildings. However, building does not shape pure ‘space’ directly or indirectly. Instead, it interacts with the fourfold, taking from it the standard for traversing and measuring spaces provided by the founded locales. Edifices formed through building preserve the fourfold and manifest the essence of dwelling.
This distinctive form of building is a form of ‘letting-dwell’. When a building becomes a letting-dwell, it responds to the call of the fourfold. All planning is rooted in this response, guiding designers to appropriate precincts for their designs. The essence of constructive building involves a process of producing that brings forth something. Unlike mere production with a finished result, building brings the fourfold into a locale, creating space where it previously did not exist. The Greek concept of ‘bringing forth or producing,’ expressed by the term tikto, is related to the root. Technē, or technique, is connected to this concept, signifying the act of making something appear within the existing context. The essence of building, concealed within architectural tectonics and modern technology, cannot be fully understood solely through architecture or engineering. It’s about more than just letting something appear among pre-existing things.
The essence of building lies in letting dwell, where construction is not just a result-oriented activity but a process of bringing forth. Building creates locales that join spaces, responding to the fourfold and opening up possibilities for planning. Unlike conventional production, which focuses on finished results, building brings the fourfold into existence as locales, making room within what is already present. The Greek concept of ‘tikto’ or ‘to bring forth’ captures this essence, emphasizing the act of letting something appear in different ways within the present context. This idea has been hidden within architectural tectonics and modern technology. The erecting of buildings cannot be fully grasped through architecture or engineering alone, but rather through an understanding of the interplay between locales, spaces, and the act of dwelling. The essence of building is intricately connected to the essence of dwelling, and only those capable of dwelling can truly engage in building. This concept is exemplified by the image of a farmhouse in the Black Forest, constructed by peasants’ dwelling two centuries ago.
The example of the Black Forest farmhouse illustrates the self-sufficient power of dwelling to shape the design of a house, considering the practical aspects and rituals of daily life. Dwelling is fundamental to human existence and is the essence of Being. While the example doesn’t suggest a return to traditional building practices, it emphasizes how building emerges from dwelling. Building and thinking are both necessary for dwelling, but they must listen to each other and recognize their origins in human experience and practice. The current housing shortage highlights the need for proper dwelling, which extends beyond physical houses. Mortals must continually seek the essence of dwelling and learn how to dwell, addressing the fundamental plight of homelessness by embracing the call to bring dwelling to its fullest essence through building and thinking.
Building, Dwelling, Thinking | Background & Context
Martin Heidegger’s essay can be situated within his broader philosophical explorations, particularly his contributions to existentialism, phenomenology, and his philosophical investigations into the nature of being, language, and truth.
Heidegger’s exploration of building and dwelling reflects his existential concerns about human existence and the search for meaning. The essay delves into the fundamental ways in which humans engage with their surroundings and construct their world.
The mid-20th century witnessed the rise of existentialism and phenomenology as influential philosophical movements. Existentialism and phenomenology contributed to a broader reevaluation of human experience, individual agency, and the nature of meaning in a changing world. In ‘Building, Dwelling, Thinking,’ Heidegger’s engagement with these philosophical currents is evident in his exploration of human existence, the significance of dwelling, and the relationship between human beings and their environment.
Existentialism is concerned with the fundamental issues of human existence, liberty, uniqueness, and the nature of reality. Existentialist philosophers frequently struggled with the problems brought on by the ambiguous and perhaps hopeless nature of the human predicament. Following the devastation of World War II and the atrocities of the Holocaust, many people began to lose faith in contemporary society’s principles and advancements. Existentialists faced the possibility that life could be devoid of inherent significance in a world where traditional religious and moral frameworks were dismantled. Positivism, a philosophical and scientific perspective that places an emphasis on empirical observation and objective knowledge, gave rise to phenomenology in part as a reaction to it. Phenomenology investigates how experiences are organized and how consciousness is focused on certain things. Phenomenology explores how consciousness is directed towards objects and how experiences are structured. Phenomenology often rejects traditional metaphysical assumptions and focuses on describing phenomena as they appear in lived experience.
Heidegger’s essay aligns with existentialist themes by contemplating the essence of dwelling and its significance in human life. Phenomenology, which emphasizes the study of consciousness and direct experience, also informed Heidegger’s approach to understanding human existence.
The text holds significant relevance when considering aesthetic constructions in urban spaces, as it offers philosophical insights that challenge and expand traditional approaches to architecture and urban design. Heidegger pushes architects and urban planners to carefully evaluate the setting in which they are constructing because of his emphasis on habitation and locations. In order to promote a sense of authenticity and belonging, aesthetic structures should interact with the distinctive history, culture, and environment of a location. This strategy encourages the development of buildings that are in tune with their urban environment in order to combat generic, disjointed architecture. When designing an aesthetic construction, it is important to take into account how it will fit into the existing spatial and visual relationships of the cityscape. This will help create a cohesive urban fabric. These buildings have the potential to become more than just functional structures; they may also take on cultural, historical, or social connotations that are meaningful to the neighborhood and enhance the feeling of place. Heidegger’s exploration of the interplay between earth and sky suggests that aesthetic constructions can engage in a meaningful dialogue with the natural environment. Integrating sustainable design principles, such as green spaces, biophilic design, and energy efficiency, aligns with the essay’s call for a balanced relationship between human-made structures and the natural world.
The text’s questioning of modern conceptions of building and dwelling resonates with postmodern architectural discourse, which challenges conventional norms and emphasizes cultural pluralism. This postmodern critique can serve as inspiration for aesthetic constructs, which can then embrace various design philosophies and the complexity of urban identity. Later in the 20th century, postmodern architecture evolved as a reaction to the perceived homogeneity and impersonality of modern architecture. Postmodern contextualism, which emphasizes creating structures that adapt to their unique cultural, historical, and environmental settings, is consistent with Heidegger’s thoughts about habitation and places.
The great narratives and totalizing conceptions of modern architecture were frequently criticized by postmodern architectural thought. In line with the postmodern emphasis on diverse narratives, regional identities, and a rejection of universal design principles, Heidegger’s emphasis on the essence of building and living, anchored in a particular sense of place, is complementary. Heidegger’s exploration of how buildings ‘gather’ and symbolize the interplay between earth, sky, divinities, and mortals aligns with postmodern architecture’s interest in symbolism and meaningful architectural forms. Additionally, Heidegger’s emphasis on the interplay of spaces, locales, and their relationships resonates with the postmodern exploration of fragmented forms and disrupted spatial compositions.
Building, Dwelling, Thinking | Literary Devices
Martin Heidegger employs rhetorical questions as a stylistic and persuasive device to engage the reader’s attention and encourage contemplation. Rhetorical questions are questions that are posed for effect, not to elicit an actual response.
‘In what way does building belong to dwelling?‘
This question initiates the exploration of the relationship between building and dwelling, setting the stage for Heidegger’s philosophical inquiry into the essence of architectural construction and its connection to human existence.
‘What if man’s homelessness consisted in this, that man still does not even think of the proper plight of dwelling as the plight?‘
This rhetorical question prompts the reader to reflect on the idea that humans may be ‘homeless’ not due to a lack of physical shelters, but because they fail to grasp the true essence of dwelling.
‘But how else can mortals answer this summons than by trying on their part, on their own, to bring dwelling to the fullness of its essence?‘
This question encourages readers to consider their role in realizing the essence of dwelling and suggests that individuals have a responsibility to engage with the concept and actively contribute to it.
Martin Heidegger employs metaphor to help convey his philosophical ideas in a more relatable and illustrative manner. These literary devices allow him to draw parallels between concrete, everyday concepts, and more abstract philosophical themes, making his ideas more accessible to the reader. Heidegger contrasts the deeper idea of dwelling with the process of making physical structures by using the metaphor of building. While dwelling denotes a deeper connection with the locations we occupy, building becomes a metaphor for the exterior, utilitarian side of creating shelters. He also uses the metaphor of a bridge to examine how locations (places) and spaces relate to one another. He explains how connecting two sides of a stream with a bridge makes room between the banks. This comparison highlights the interaction between the built environment and the experience of living there by illuminating how places offer places to live. Heidegger further extends the metaphor of the bridge to suggest that bridges serve as passages between the mortal and divine realms. The bridge, in this context, becomes an analogy for the connection between the mundane and the spiritual, highlighting the role of architecture in facilitating these connections.
Vivid and evocative imagery is used to illustrate his philosophical concepts and create a sensory-rich experience for the reader. Imagery involves using descriptive language to create mental pictures and evoke sensory experiences, making the ideas more engaging and relatable.
‘The bridge gathers the earth as landscape around the stream. Thus it guides and attends the stream through the meadows.’
‘Resting upright in the stream’s bed, the bridge-piers bear the swing of the arches that leave the stream’s waters to run their course.’
‘The wide overhanging shingle roof whose proper slope bears up under the burden of snow, and that, reaching deep down, shields the chambers against the storms of the long winter nights.’
Heidegger enriches his philosophical exploration of building, dwelling, and thinking, making his concepts more tangible and relatable to the reader’s senses and experiences.
In ‘Building, Dwelling, Thinking,’ Heidegger considers construction to be a subset of building as a fundamental human activity. He contends that construction and habitation go hand in hand and are both essential to human existence. Heidegger asks readers to investigate how the spaces we inhabit impact our experiences, thoughts, and manner of being in the world by using vivid imagery, metaphorical language, and thought-provoking parallels.
