The picture below is that of the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Port of Spain. What caught my attention is the similarity in architecture of catholic churches all around the world have, 12 doors representative if the 12 apostles,stained glass windows, and the overall shape of the church. i believe that catholic churches can be identified as landscapes as texts as they contain signifiers that send ideological messages to social, cultural groups and by all means catholic worshippers. The built environment has the capacity to affect the human person deeply -- the way they act, the way he feels, and the way he is. Church architects of past and present understood that the atmosphere created by the church building affects not only how we worship, but also what we believe. If a Catholic church building doesn't reflect Catholic theology and ecclesiology, if the building undermines or dismisses the natural laws of church architecture, the worshiper risks accepting a faith that is foreign to Catholicism
I like how you tied architecture to theology and that if the two are not complimentary to each other the church risks compromising people's faith. It is that serious because every arch and every painted window gives part to the stories of the Bible etc that some people won't even worship if they feel it's not done right
ReplyDeleteWell this was an enlightening post because as a roman catholic I never really paid attention to the design of the church and its only until you mentioned it that I really noticed. I also liked how you linked the presence of the church in an urban space having an effect on people whether it be Catholics or simple street dwellers.
ReplyDeleteI didn't read enough link to the urban here -- I would like to see more connection. Sounds like Khadija was trying to make these links for you, but it would be great if you made them for us. -- Great photo!
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