About Religious Architecture

Humans have wondered about life and its meaning as far back as we can see. The most visible expression of this wondering is found in the universal language of color, light, form and space.

Religious structures were the largest form of architecture prior to the evolution of the skyscraper. Religious architecture is created to experience the sacred, to provide forms into which spiritual energies flow and reflect a sense of the divine.

Following are several elements common to most forms of religious architecture.

Orientation: Religious buildings are intentionally aligned with the sun, moon, stars or the planets and often located near important mountains, caves, trees or rivers.

Centered: Religious buildings share the concept of "center," a space designated as sacred. The center is identified by gateways, thresholds, openings, inner and outer realms that imply the sacred "center."

Color and light: Color, murals, paintings, mandalas, stained glass, candle light, sunlight, moonlight, in accordance with specific religious and cultural traditions lead the eyes and the heart to elevated thoughts and emotions. All have architectural origins and foundations, but sacred definitions.

Ritual: The act of worship is ritual. Ritual is given form by religious architecture. Form follows or dictates the function of that ritual.