Often one is surprised by a feeling of peacefulness when visiting a church, shrine, or temple. Is this because these buildings receive all equally, whether those who come hoping for comfort or those who come there accidentally?
This issue features 'Recent Sacred Space'. It is a collection of 15 built works ranging from chapels to synagogues and a memorial for the victims of witch trials. Geographically it ranges from Nordic countries such as Norway and Finland to South American countries such as Brazil and Chile. The materials used in these works include wood, reinforced concrete, tiles, and PTFE.
Karla Britton notes in her essay that there was a historical trajectory in the history of modern architecture which emphasized forms that gave expression to the spirit. She also explains how the religious building type has often been a locus for advancement and innovation in modern architectural design. On the other hand, today one also sees designs which, while remaining consciously sacred buildings, seek to avoid any form of representation or specific religious symbolic system. How do people experience sacred space in the twenty-first century? (a+u)