Ideology, Function, and the Design of Sacred Building

The evolution of architectural designs originated from the simple ancient ideas to the present complex technical and advanced forms. The growth has been facilitated by the increase in research and innovation that has been on the rise since the 18th century. The inventions have resulted into sophisticated designs of modern structures that have made the world to be a beautiful place. The modern structures are characterized by skyscrapers and other designs referred to as the impossible structures. Some of the modern designs are made to withstand the natural disasters that come as a result of complex weather patterns that occur in some parts of the world. The modern designs are as a result of the contribution of various personalities who have shown interest over the years to make the world a beautiful place. The extensive research by these people created a sense of progression in the field of architectural science. The design of the sacred buildings follows the religious architectural practices or sacred architecture. The sacred architecture is concerned with the design of Mosques, churches, synagogues, stupas and temples. Many cultures usually contribute significant resources towards sacred architecture. Sacred and religious structures are some of the permanent and most impressive buildings developed by humanity. Just like any other architectural designs, religious, sacred and holy structures have evolved and they were some of the largest buildings globally prior to the introduction of modern skyscrapers. While some of the church architectures try to imitate trends used in other structures, the church designs are often unique from the contemporary architectural criterion used in other structures. As a result of Abrahamic monotheism, particularly Islam and Christianity, sacred or religious buildings are increasingly becoming centers of prayers, meditation and worship. The paper therefore discusses the Ideology, Function, and the Design of Sacred Buildings.

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Medieval Europe

Palatine Chapel

The ideologies behind the design of the Palatine Chapel originate from the ancient architectural works. The designers of the Palatine Chapel borrowed a lot of ideas from different designers. In the medieval time, most of the architectures mostly imitated the designs from the classical period. The Palatine Chapel acted as a center of worship, a holy place for meditation and connection with the Holy Spirit and most importantly, the chapel was used for conducting prayers.

Figure 1: Palatine Chapel

(Louth 42)

Palatine Chapel was designed by Odo of Metz. The designer imitated the Byzantine-style church of San Vitale, Italy. The chapel follows the Carolingian architecture. The octagonal shape is one of its kinds. The octagonal and domed shaped central area is surrounded by two storey structure and the 16 sided ambulatory (Louth 32). These styles were mostly evident in sacred designs. Additionally, the church has an open-air atrium with free space that provides favorable conditions to the worshippers during meditations and prayers. There are also imperial box on the upper side of the floor as well as the winding staircases that connects to the twin towers, the staircases were designed to facilitate the movement of the crowed with much ease. The domed shaped structure at the top of the chapel is a reminiscence of classical architecture. For many centuries, the chapel has been having the highest vaulted interior in the entire Europe.

All Saint Church

The All Saint Church was built to celebrate the defeat of Napoleon in the Battle. The ideology behind the design of All Saint Church was borrowed from the design of St. Mathew Campfield in Manchester. The design of the two churches only differs in slightly. All Saint Church has a tower while St Mathew Campfield had spire. The serve serves different spiritual purposes. It serves as a house for prayer, meditation and worship. The worship center is designed with more space both vertically and horizontally to accommodate more people.

Figure 2: All Saint Church

(Cowie et al. 31)

All Saints was designed from millstone grit from Pennines. The designer used fanciful Golith style. The structure is rectangular in five bays, it is equipped with canted apse in the east and west end; there is also an incorporation of a tower and a porch, the designs that were mainly borrowed from classical architectures (Cowie et al. 27). The All Saints design also has its lowest stage of the tower forming a porch with tall and narrow arches. The idea of arches was mainly borrowed from the roman architectural designs. The building has a series of bell openings consisting of pairs of lancets. Along the sides, there are tiers of windows arranged in accordance ideas of classical and Roman designers. The structure of the church as well as the tower has crocketed Pinnacles and embattled parapets.

Gothic Architecture

Lincoln Cathedral

The ideologies behind the design of Lincoln Cathedral were borrowed from different ancient architectures in Greek and Roman. Most of the structures and patterns of arrangement in this magnificent building imitates the structures built during Greek and Roman times. Lincoln Cathedral was built for prayers, worshipping and meditation. It was designed with specialized areas for meditation. Additionally, the designer ensured a large and spacious area for prayers and worshiping.

Figure 3: Lincoln Cathedral

Just like the All Saint church, Lincoln Cathedral has two towers that stretches from the top of the building, a true reminiscence of architectural designs. The building has got two major rose windows, a strange feature among the medieval architecture in Europe. In the northern side of the Cathedral, there exists the "Deans Eye" while on the Southern side, there exists the "Bishops Eye" The above southern window is a perfect example of curvilinear tracery that were common in the medieval architecture.

Milan Cathedral

The Milan Cathedral took nearly six centuries to complete. It consists of various designs borrowed from different time periods. The orientation of windows imitates both the classical and Greek styles. The series of towers and extensions on top of the structure were common among the Golith architectures.

Figure 4: Milan Cathedral

(Mehmood 33)

Milan Cathedral was built as a center of worship, prayers and meditation. It also serves as a baptism center. Milan Cathedral is the largest church in Italy that can accommodate many worshipers at a time.

From the outer appearance the design of the building shows close relations with some of the designs shown above. The curvaceous windows and doors seem to have been of the common features with these buildings (Mehmood 33). The Milan Cathedral has a complicated design that seems simple from the outer appearance. Although it has magnificent decoration, the design looks unique especially from the modern structures. The curvaceous roofing style is evident in this structure, the design of the roofing structure slant sideways thereby bringing additional beauty for the entire building.

Islamic Architecture

Dome of the Rock

The ideologies behind the design of Dome of the Rock originated from the nearby complex palaces and churches. The styles and the design of exterior features imitated the classical and Roman architectural works. The octagonal structure of the building could have been influenced by the churches of the Seat of Mary. The church is of great significance to the Muslims, it is used to perform many Islamic traditions that connect to the creation of the world and the existence of Prophet Muhammad. The building is mostly used for prayers and meditation.

Figure 5: Dome of the Rock

(Knox 35)

The dome-shaped structure at the top of the building imitates the Renaissance architectural designs or styles. The curvature in the openings of doors and windows and use of enamel tiles on the floors and wall reveals the Hectors ideas. Another similar design that follows the Hectors ideas is the Petronas Towers in Malaysia located in Kuala Lumpur City Centre a design that was initiated by Cesar Pelli, the use of enamel tiles is also evident here (Knox 42).

Figure 6: Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal imitates the design traditions of Persia and the ancient Mughal architecture. The architectural inspirations resulted from successful Mughal and Timurid structures including the progenitor of the Mughal dynasty. During the period of construction, Mughal structures were mainly constructed from red sandstones. However, Shah Jahan, the designer of the Taj Mahal promoted the application of White marble incorporated with semi-spacious stones. There were however rooms for refinements. The building was unique and acted as a tourist attraction center. Additionally, it is also used as a worship center.

The dome-shaped structure at the top of the building is a reminiscence of renaissance architecture. The building also posses curving windows arranged in a mosaic patterns. The continuous arrangement of the windows provides ventilation mechanisms for the dwellers. The series of towers at the sides of the building increases the beauty and the external outlook of the entire structure.

European Renaissance

Figure 7: Palazzo de Te Palazzo de Te

Palazzo Te is a palace found in the suburbs of Mantua in Italy. The design of the palace imitates the mannerist's architectural designs. The palace was designed by Giulio Romano. In the design, the style and orientation of windows imitates the styles used in the Roman and Greek periods. The palace is used as a center of worship, prayers and recreation.

The main materials used the building include cut stones and bricks, the curvaceous nature of the windows follows the Hector's design. The structure has three facades and it has inbuilt packing lot with balcony. The decoration of the building is colourful with elaborate arrangement of windows and doors that add beauty from the outer look. The floors and some parts of the wall are covered with the enamel tiles that reduce penetration of water into the underlying bricks. The four exterior facades exhibit pilasters placed against rusticated walls. There is also the secondary floor above. The East facades are unique from the other three since it has Palladian motifs on open loggia and on the pilaster at the center rather than the courtyard.

Palazzo THiene

Figure 8: Palazzo THiene

Palazzo Thiene is found in northern Italy, it was designed for Adriano and Moarcantonio. Some structures in the buildings resemble those applied by the ancient Greek and Roman architects. Some of the designs are also borrowed from the classical architectural approaches.

The structure has a massive base that is heavily designed out of stones. There are also arch openings with dressed stone supporters and a lighter second storey anchored with pedimented windows and composite pilasters. The structure consists of patterns of windows framed by Ionic columns whose shafts are anchored by stone blocks.

European Renaissance 2

Figure 9:St. Peter's Basilica

St. Peter's Basilica is one of the famous works of renaissance architectures. It is the largest church in the world. According to the Catholic traditions, St. Peter's Basilica is the burial site of Saint Peter, the Apostle of Jesus and the first Roman Pope. The St. Peters tomb is said to be located directly below the alter inside the Basilica. The construction of the present basilica replaced the old basilica and it began in 4th century AD. St. Peter's Basilica is famous as a center of liturgical and pilgrimage functions. The Pope often presides over a number of liturgies in the church. The building is also used as the center of worship, Prayers and meditation.

The St. Peter's Basilica building is often approached from the St. Peters squire, the forecourt in two sections. The courts are...