Through our discussion of sacred spaces our group had some different views of universal sacred spaces. We noted that the perfect universal sacred space already exists, and that is the Earth. Also, we discussed the notion of a building to house all religions being an impossible feat. As history has shown us, there is no great harmony among religions; in fact, many great wars have resulted from it. Taking this into consideration, we designed a sacred space that did not proclaim to be wholly, holy for every religion, but rather a space where everyone could worship in part the way they would in a specific sacred space.
Our universal sacred space would be centrally located on a hilltop. This would lend our space 360-degree views of nature. Ideally, those views would include both water and land. The location would be a neutral area free of religious rigors that would allow all religions to openly worship. The hilltop site would be a pilgrimage destination point for all religions. The path pilgrims would take up the hill would be well planned allowing for vignettes of nature before finally coming up upon the sacred space..jpg)
The space itself would incorporate some significant symbols. The cross is used which is significant to Christianity and Judaism, the crescent moon shape is significant to Islam and circular and wheel symbols are found in both Buddhism and Hinduism. In an effort to show that the site was for all religions and not totally for one religion, the symbols are shown in incomplete forms. As seen in the plan the central design of the building is a deconstructed cross with a partial crescent wall evolving out of the south end, and a half circle is seen at the north end of the building in the reflecting pools. The mass of the building would be made of local materials and cast concrete in an effort to make it relate to the area while also being a building that would last a long time.
The approach to building would be from the north travelling south. Upon meeting the site, pilgrims would be enticed to travel in a clockwise motion around the building because of the foreboding wall between the front of the building and the sculpture garden. As they walked around the building, they would find themselves in an open air chapel or temple. This worship area would be flanked on the west side by a curved feature wall of diminishing height with tall rectangular voids punched out of it allowing a limited view of the sculpture garden. The feature wall is a suggestion at the views one sees when looking through a forest of trees. The space would have three other worship areas which allow for worship in different directions and manners. The three interior chapels would host worshippers in an intimate setting whereas the outdoor chapel would allow for the hosting of greater numbers. The interior would be largely lit from natural light cascading in through large picturesque windows. This would allow for a connection from the interior to nature.
The space would be able to house many religious artifacts thus making it a pilgrimage destination for different faiths. Large statues and sculptures would be kept in the sculpture garden on the west side of the building. The sculpture garden would allow for religious contemplation while also connecting with nature. A two-level central vestibule in the building would allow for housing of other artifacts. The first level would be a public gallery of religious paintings, sculptures and important documents displayed for worshippers. The second level would be a privately maintained library of important documents and texts for various religions.
Although, the universal sacred space could not address all the needs of every religion, it was a means to partially addressing those needs and allowing for a peaceful, shared religious center. This universal sacred space would be a lasting site of destination for many religions for many years to come.
Our universal sacred space would be centrally located on a hilltop. This would lend our space 360-degree views of nature. Ideally, those views would include both water and land. The location would be a neutral area free of religious rigors that would allow all religions to openly worship. The hilltop site would be a pilgrimage destination point for all religions. The path pilgrims would take up the hill would be well planned allowing for vignettes of nature before finally coming up upon the sacred space.
The space itself would incorporate some significant symbols. The cross is used which is significant to Christianity and Judaism, the crescent moon shape is significant to Islam and circular and wheel symbols are found in both Buddhism and Hinduism. In an effort to show that the site was for all religions and not totally for one religion, the symbols are shown in incomplete forms. As seen in the plan the central design of the building is a deconstructed cross with a partial crescent wall evolving out of the south end, and a half circle is seen at the north end of the building in the reflecting pools. The mass of the building would be made of local materials and cast concrete in an effort to make it relate to the area while also being a building that would last a long time.
The approach to building would be from the north travelling south. Upon meeting the site, pilgrims would be enticed to travel in a clockwise motion around the building because of the foreboding wall between the front of the building and the sculpture garden. As they walked around the building, they would find themselves in an open air chapel or temple. This worship area would be flanked on the west side by a curved feature wall of diminishing height with tall rectangular voids punched out of it allowing a limited view of the sculpture garden. The feature wall is a suggestion at the views one sees when looking through a forest of trees. The space would have three other worship areas which allow for worship in different directions and manners. The three interior chapels would host worshippers in an intimate setting whereas the outdoor chapel would allow for the hosting of greater numbers. The interior would be largely lit from natural light cascading in through large picturesque windows. This would allow for a connection from the interior to nature.
The space would be able to house many religious artifacts thus making it a pilgrimage destination for different faiths. Large statues and sculptures would be kept in the sculpture garden on the west side of the building. The sculpture garden would allow for religious contemplation while also connecting with nature. A two-level central vestibule in the building would allow for housing of other artifacts. The first level would be a public gallery of religious paintings, sculptures and important documents displayed for worshippers. The second level would be a privately maintained library of important documents and texts for various religions.
Although, the universal sacred space could not address all the needs of every religion, it was a means to partially addressing those needs and allowing for a peaceful, shared religious center. This universal sacred space would be a lasting site of destination for many religions for many years to come.
