Norberg-Schulz defines intention as the primary goal or purpose that guides the architect's design decisions. It is the underlying idea or concept that shapes the form and structure of a building, giving it meaning and significance. According to Norberg-Schulz, intention is not just a subjective expression of the architect's personal taste or preference but rather an objective principle that governs the design process. He argues that intention is what distinguishes architecture from mere building, as it imbues the built environment with a sense of purpose and direction.

Christian Norberg-Schulz’s "Intentions in Architecture" (1963) argues that architecture acts as a symbolic language providing "existential foothold," shifting focus from purely functionalism to human orientation and place-making. The text synthesizes psychology, sociology, and philosophy to define how architectural form communicates cultural values and shapes human perception. For academic access and a PDF version, check institutional repositories like JSTOR or ProQuest.

Christian Norberg-Schulz’s (1963) is a foundational work in architectural theory that shifts the focus from purely functional or aesthetic concerns to a comprehensive phenomenological approach .