LIGHT AS A SYMBOL OF SACRED ARCHITECTURE (original) (raw)
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Constitutive Role Of Light In Christian Sacred Architecture
2018
Light is the central theme of sacred architecture of all religions and so of Christianity. The aim of this paper is to emphasize the inner sense of light and its constitutive role in Christian sacred architecture. The theme of light in Christian sacred architecture is fundamentally connected to its meaning and symbolism of light in Christian theology and liturgy. This fundamental connection is opening the space to the symbolic and theological comprehending of light which was present throughout the history of Christianity and which is lacking in contemporary sacred architecture.
Constitutive Role of Light in Christian Sacred Architecture.docx
Light is the central theme of sacred architecture of all religions and so of Christianity. The aim of this paper is to emphasize the inner sense of light and its constitutive role in Christian sacred architecture. The theme of light in Christian sacred architecture is fundamentally connected to its meaning and symbolism of light in Christian theology and liturgy. This fundamental connection is opening the space to the symbolic and theological comprehending of light which was present throughout the history of Christianity and which is lacking in contemporary sacred architecture.
Use of Natural Light for Catholic Sacred Architecture: Technological Strategies and Symbolic Values
2021
Natural light can filter and penetrate into the spaces through openings and cuts in the envelope going from time to highlight spaces, revealing details and creating atmospheres. The control and diffusion of natural light are strategic to ensure the right light intensity and are, in fact, critical points to manage when it comes to daylighting. One of the first metaphors that we use for an instant understanding of the concept of "holiness" is "light". Since ancient times, sacred architecture has tried to emphasize this intuitive metaphor through a design capable to underline into spaces of darkness the entering of light rays. An emblematic case of creating strategic effect of interplay between light and shadow is possible to be found in the gothic cathedrals. Even in modern and contemporary architecture, a typical design strategy for the project of a mystical atmosphere is guiding people attention with the help of light as a symbolic direction. This strategy let people forget the outside world moving towards a mystical concentration. The work intends to propose some reflections on the role that natural light has in the design of catholic sacred architecture both from the formal-expressive and from the functional-technological point of view through the analysis of some emblematic cases. This role is, moreover, particularly strategic also in relation to the correct lighting of the art world very often present and necessary for the visual enjoyment of the same. In this regards is very important how light sources are set both for the visual enjoyment of the art works and when their valorization is also required. Among the aspects to be considered also, any damage that light can bring to the art works as incorrect illumination can lead to degradation. The work, therefore, will deal with the performance aspects of natural lighting that, in line with the specific functions of the sacred architecture, will concern not only comfort in its various forms but also the relationship between lighting strategy, materials used and technological solution adopted.
The Role of Light In The Architecture of Religious Buildings
Devotion Journal of Community Service
Light is one of the important factors in human life. Lighting especially in houses of worship is considered a very important part for symbolic and spiritual reasons. Light is the main focus in architecture, both in Islamic and Gothic architecture. The purpose of this study is to summarize the role of light in buildings of worship, especially houses of worship. This study uses a qualitative method of literature study. The results of this study indicate that the role of light in buildings of worship, especially houses of worship, is very important for the congregation, both spiritually and visually. Spiritually, the role of light can provide inner peace and also the closeness of the servant to his God. from a visual point of view the role of light can provide beauty and comfort to the room. From these results, the conclusion is that the role of light in religious buildings in the building of houses of worship is very important for worshippers, in shaping the inner kayakinan both in s...
LIGHT IN SACRED ARCHITECTURE: BUDDHIST AND HINDU TEMPLES
ijetrm journal , 2022
"Light in sacred architecture" is a very complex topic and it can be approached with the same competence by religious interpreters, philosophers, all artistic expressions, designers (especially lighting designers), people of various practical activities. In this paper on the subject of 'Light in sacred architecture', an architect and university professor writes, i.e. a person who educates students of architecture in its various fields and a person who designs himself (who has more than ten architectural realizations of sacred architecture behind him). The paper deals with the historical, philosophical, religious, psychological and aesthetic dimensions of the problem of the presence and use of light in sacred architecture. The immaterial and ubiquitous phenomenon of light builds architecture and fills its spaces, attracting our emotions. Therefore, both natural and artificial lighting serve to introduce special places in architecture, and then give those places a special character. In the descriptions of architectural objects and the circumstances in which these objects are created, we conclude that light is a co-creator of architectural forms and spaces-from the rudimentary way in which it helps identify space to the sophisticated ways in which it participates in the creation of a transcendental atmosphere. This is the second paper in a row (previously the topic 'the place of light in the design of mosques' was covered) in which the author deals with the complex topic of 'Light in sacred architecture'.
The Role of Art and the Meaning of the Symbol in the Formation of Sacred Space
Current problems of architecture and urban planning
The article analyzes the history of changes in the role of art and the meaning of the symbol in the formation of the sacred space of architecture, which is presented through the consideration of the symbolic understanding of material forms and objects in the traditional and modernist representation. The historical development of the concept of symbol and its representation in art and architecture is presented. The development of the aesthetic category of "beauty" in historical development is represented. Three theories of understanding the concepts of the symbol are considered: "traditional", "hegelian" and "cashier", which in the twentieth century had almost the same influence. The source of origin and interpretation of the content of the symbol in the sacred space is presented. The role of a person (artist and recipient) is analyzed, which is to read the revealed symbols and write them in language, myths or art in a way accessible to human r...
Journal of Visual Art and Design
The sacred space in Catholic Church buildings is intended for people to experience the mystery of God’s work of salvation and the epiphany of faith through light as one of its design elements. Light is seen as a significant aspect of Catholic teachings, representing divine manifestation through its symbolic function. The presence of artificial light in the worship room of the Holy Spirit Cathedral Denpasar was designed to accommodate all worship activities in conveying symbolic meanings. This study aimed to determine how artificial lighting through pragmatic, psychological, and symbolic functions is present in the prayer room. The data collection techniques used were observation, interviews, and questionnaires. The study results showed that the pragmatic function of light in the worship room of the Holy Spirit Cathedral Denpasar is considered a supporting aspect, while light with its psychological and symbolic functions is considered to be the main aspect, which is very influential ...
LIGHT IN RELIGIOUS ARCHITECTURE: CONTEMPORARY TRENDS
– Human civilization has undergone many phases of evolution since its inception centuries ago. Religion, like other aspects, is not untouched by this process. It has diversified into numerous ideological beliefs. Despite an enhanced scientific temper, the importance of religion has not dwindled in modern era. The importance of light and its gamut of effects on the human psyche has remained constant; in fact, we have become aware of even more effects and have utilized the same in architecture. Even the scriptures have revered light as being symbolic of divinity. Religious architecture has been an important tool to spread awareness about the ideologies followed in a specific place at a specific time. Contemporary architects, having analysed existing religious structures, as well as scriptures, have devised innovative uses of light to create divine interventions. This study is an attempt to recognize and analyse these modern trends in religious architecture – how architects have interpreted the scriptures and rules pertaining to architecture of places of worship. This study is an analysis of the juxtaposition of the ritualistic importance of light and its contemporary interpretation in India as well as in foreign nations.
Sacred, profane and geometrical symbolism in architecture
This paper start from two assumption: 1. the illuminist thought has represented a turning point in Western history, but its has “frozen” inside its “rational domain” part of our spirituality; 2. this cultural attitude is an intrinsic necessity that characterize the final time of culture, and we can read these aspect through the artistic, architectural, musical, etc. symbolism. The built environment, with its geometrical symbolism, talks about the culture that has generate it, and express the intimate values of a culture. So, if in the past the built environment was interconnected with their physical and spiritual surrounding, the contemporary has express the excessive power of mechanical culture determining the loss of human identity in favour of “artificial identity”. This artificial structure has transferred its cultural reductionism also to urbanism and architecture caused laceration of society and deformation of ethical and esthetical values. This new design represent and symbolize new values like hedonism and a devoid sense of nothing, and are sculptural expression of a society. I’ll demonstrate because this happen today, what we can learn from the past, and i propose a new approach, structured on holistic way and able to demonstrate that the science can and must married the beauty and spirituality.
Sacred profane geometrical symbolism in architecture
The chapter start from two assumption: 1. the illuminist thought has represented a turning point in Western history, but its has “frozen” inside its “rational domain” part of our spirituality; 2. this cultural attitude is an intrinsic necessity that characterize the final time of culture, and we can read these aspect through the artistic, architectural, musical, etc. symbolism. The built environment, with its geometrical symbolism, talks about the culture that has generate it, and express the intimate values of a culture. So, if in the past the built environment was interconnected with their physical and spiritual surrounding, the contemporary has express the excessive power of mechanical culture determining the loss of human identity in favour of “artificial identity”. This artificial structure has transferred its cultural reductionism also to urbanism and architecture caused laceration of society and deformation of ethical and esthetical values. This new design represent and symbo...