Adam Sharr: Heidegger (ahem), building, senses.

In Episode 178 of this incessant podcast, Adam Sharr, Professor of Architecture at Newcastle University, discusses his 2007 book, Heidegger for Architects, published by Routledge.

Heidegger’s ideas haunt architectural discourse, practice and education, which remain inwardly wedded to concepts like dwelling, place, authenticity, world and building, ideas that are rooted in his work. Arguably, his ideas remain foundational in debates on sustainability and human-centred design too. 

Yet despite this influence, Heidegger’s writing’s opacity and his philosophical entanglements—intellectual, political, and ethical—make him a challenging figure to approach. So we deal with this, including Heidegger’s Nazi associations, some key concepts – dwelling, the Fourfold, the Thing – how Heidegger suggested buildings participate in the unfolding of place and meaning, and what it means to think of architecture not just as the production of objects but as a way of revealing—or concealing—our relationship to the world around us. 

Awkward? I guess. Good chat? Yes.

Adam is editor of the uber-successful book series Thinkers for Architects published by Routledge. He can be found at Newcastle University, and at Adam Sharr Architects too. He does not appear to be on social media, the lucky blighter.

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Music credits: ⁠Bruno Gillick