Religious / Sacred Architecture
Religious or sacred architecture is concerned with the design and construction of places of worship and/or sacred space, such as churches, mosques, stupas, synagogues, and temples. Many cultures devoted considerable resources to their sacred architecture, and their places of worship, religion and sacred spaces are amongst the most impressive and permanent monolithic buildings created by humanity. Sacred, religious and holy structures often evolved over centuries and were at one time the largest buildings in the world, prior to the modern skyscraper.
Religious architecture comes in all sizes and shapes and has often been influenced by regional conditions and culture — various styles have been used in the sacred architecture of different cultures. Nevertheless, while the architectural language differs from culture to culture, the basic purpose of religious architecture has remained much the same — it has served as a place for worship and meditation. Geometry, iconography and the use of sophisticated semiotics such as signs, symbols and religious motif are endemic to sacred architecture.
Zyscovich Architects New Images for Synagogue In Brickell
A few months ago, there were reports that a new synagogue was coming to Brickell / Downtown Miami. New images of the Zyscovich Architects designed synagogue have been released as the new institution moves into a capital campaign and one step closer to becoming a reality.
Trinity Church in Boston — Urban Monument and Church
Trinity Church is one of the most important buildings in the development of American architecture, and established the reputation of two of the most significant figures in the history of American art and architecture: Henry Hobson Richardson and John La Farge. In 1971, Trinity was designated a National Historic Landmark for “possessing exceptional value in commemorating or illustrating the history of the United States.”
New Synagogue in Brickell
The Miami Herald is reporting that a new synagogue is being proposed in Brickell. Located across the street (to the north) of Mary Brickell Village at 35 SE Ninth St, the synagogue will be the first Jewish center built in the heart of the city in more than 60 years.
Images of St. Peter Basilica and Square
The following are images of St. Peter’s Basilica and Square — one of the most spiritually important buildings in Rome and perhaps the world. The Baroque Masterpiece is the largest church in the world and the heart of the Vatican.
St. Peter’s Basilica and Square – An Influential Urban Space
The site of the current St. Peter’s Basilica and Square in Rome has a long, rich history spanning over two millennia. During this long history, the site and the urban fabric surrounding it have undergone various urban transformations influenced by the changing economical, political, and social conditions of Rome, the Vatican, and the Catholic Church.
Plaza del Pilar
The Plaza del Pilar in Zaragoza, Spain is a wonderful urban space rich in history and culture. Within it are some of Zaragoza’s most important buildings — the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar, La Seo Cathedral (Cathedral of the Savior), the City Hall, La Lonja, and much more. There are even accessible Roman ruins directly [...]
Sanja Matsuri Festival
I went to Ultra Music Festival last weekend in Miami and it got me thinking about the importance of urban festivals and their contribution to the mood and personality of a city. Urban festivals serve as important urban and social generators — bringing out people in masses during special occasions to celebrate a unique element [...]
Churches of Donostia
I made a post yesterday regarding the Churches of Overtown. I spoke about the wonderful and unique churches, but also spoke about the dreadful urban conditions around them. Surrounding buildings ignore the churches and the urban fabric does little to enhance their importance as cultural and historic landmarks. In essence, the city ignores the churches.
Churches of Overtown
Overtown near Downtown Miami is known for many things, but one of those things it’s not known for is it’s architecture. Overtown nevertheless has a fabulous collection of traditional Miami buildings and architecture still preserved today.
The Duomo
I spoke previously about the wonderful urban qualities of the streets of Florence (Firenze), Italy and also discussed some of the urban art that makes the streets alive and vibrant. I therefore decided to include a picture set of The Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore which is perhaps the most recognizable building in Florence, and maybe even the entire Italian Peninsula. The building serves as [...]
