• Korean Institute of Interior Design Journal
• /
• v.25 no.6
• /
• pp.89-97
• /
• 2016

The aim of this study is to review Norberg-Schulz's architectural phenomenology to find out its meaning and limitations in contemporary architecture. His phenomenological trilogy, 'Existence, Space and Architecture', 'Genius Loci' and 'The Concept of Dwelling' are main texts to examine background, characteristics, meaning and limitations of his theory in relation to Structuralism and Heidegger's thoughts. Heidegger's phenomenology, especially his dwelling concept, had great impacts on forming Norberg-Schulz's architectural phenomenology. However, since his architectural phenomenology was strongly influenced by Structuralism, his theories present unstable combination of phenomenology and semiotics. And this results in instrumentalization, and overlooking body movement and socio-economical elements in his theory. In spite of these limitations, his theory also shows possibility to go beyond the theory of Modern architecture and plays important role in suggesting direction for better environment through applicability from single building to city in Postmodern architecture. Another meaning of his theory lies in presenting theoretical background for new way to interpret regionalism and specific policy tool to make town planning in Finland.