The principle of interpenetration in Walter Benjamin

This article explores the concept of Durchdringung (interpenetration) in Walter Benjamin’s work, tracing its presence across architectural, cinematic, and literary domains. Unlike Hegelian mediation, Benjamin’s interpenetration blurs boundaries without resulting in uniformity, allowing for the coexistence of heterogeneous elements in what he calls a “dialectics at a standstill.” Through dialogues with Wölfflin, Giedion, Auerbach, and Adorno, the paper identifies three key dimensions of Durchdringung: spatial, imaginal, and historical. These thresholds converge to redefine aesthetic experience beyond classical hierarchies and disciplinary limits, revealing their potential as a space for play (Spielraum).