One of the reasons why Louis I. Kahn is regarded as a pioneer of Post-Modern Architecture is that his works are interpreted as Structuralism and Post-structuralism in architecture. A. Lüchinger’s interpretation of Structuralism and M. Benedikt’s interpretation of Post-structuralism; especially Deconstruction Theory, in Kahn’s architecture must be proper cases for understanding this context. However, when we precisely analyze their insistence, several fallacies can be found with their incomplete grasp of Kahn’s architectural thinking. The most problematic thing is that they maximize fallibility with focusing only on the analysis of superficial phenomenon, such as formal composition, disposition of space, decorative features, and so on. Therefore, the meaning of architectural essence toward Post-Modern Architecture which Kahn had pursued during his lifetime is sometimes misinterpreted. For this reason, this paper attempt to reanalyze Kahn’s philosophy of architecture deeply with the view of aesthetics which has a key role in both overcoming their fallacies and illuminating the potentiality of Kahn’s architecture.

Unlike the extrinsic Modern Functionalist, Louis I. Kahn, a modern American architect, had been pursued intrinsic architectural nature based on historicity; The Essence of Architecture, during his lifetime. That is the reason why he is generally called as one of frontiers toward Post-Modern Architecture. However, the actual meaning of his ‘The Essence of Architecture’ is so vague and unclear until today, because not only his complex personal thought and career but various and subjective interpretation by so many later architects and architectural theorists. In the context, this paper attempt to reanalyze and clarify Kahn's idea of ‘The Essence of Architecture’ with the deep and objective view of aesthetics focused on a distinguished contemporary German philosopher, N. Hartman’s idea of phenomenological relation and the stratified structure of a work of art.