Universal Sacred Space- William Blake Group

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.

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.

The Dome of the Rock

The Dome of the Rock, Wajiha Hyder
William Blake Group
The Dome of the Rock

General Description
The Dome of the Rock is located in Palestine on the temple mount. It was completed in 691, making it around 1300 years old and the oldest Islamic building in the world. It is not considered a mosque but a religious shrine for the Muslims. It was built by Umayyad caliph Abd al-Malik.
The Dome of the Rock was meant to be created to overpower the other religious shrines. It is certainly one of the most beautiful and has thousands of tourists from all around that come to visit it. This structure has gone through several changes even after it was confirmed to have been completed. The golden dome on top of the Dome of the Rock was originally made of gold, but was replaced with copper and then aluminum. The interior of the dome is decorated with mosaic, faience and marble. The dome is topped by a full moon decoration which is a representation of the crescent moon symbol of Islam.


The sacred stone is encircled by sixteen arches that formerly came from different churches in Jerusalem, which were destroyed during the Persian occupation of the city in 614 AD.
There is a sacred rock in the middle of the building which is considered to be the spot where Prophet Muhammad ascended on the night journey. The Dome of the Rock was mainly devoted and still is today to commemorate Prophet Muhammad's ascension into heaven after his night journey to Jerusalem. There is Arabic inscription inside the building telling of the night of journey of Prophet Muhammad according to the Quran.
The night journey stated in the Quran was when Prophet Muhammad was pulled up into the heavens by God. This was during the time he was being revelated the Quran and he had been taken for him to see proofs and to strengthen his faith. As Surah 17 verse 1 states ‘Glory to (God) Who did take His Servant for journey by night from the Sacred Mosque to the Farthest Mosque, whose precincts We did Bless- in order that We might show him some of Our Signs: for He is the one Who heareth and seeth (all things)’. This strong verse shows that Prophet Muhammad
The most propitious site for Jewish prayer is a spot nearest the Foundation Stone. Because Muslim authorities refused to permit Jewish prayer on the Temple Mount, the custom developed of praying near the Western Wall, since it was the site nearest to the Foundation Stone, or on the Mount of Olives facing the site of the Temple.
The location of the Dome of the Rock connects it with a long tradition of the two other religions in Jerusalem, Judaism and Christianity. The place is where the second Jewish Temple was built and is also associated with the first Jewish Temple of Solomon. In addition, the Rock was considered to be the place where Abraham was prepared to sacrifice his son Isaac.
In an attempt to describe the Dome of the Rock as someone who has only researched it could conclude with this quote by a traveler Ibn Batuta who said "This is one of the most fantastic of all buildings. Its queerness and perfection lie in its shape... It is so amazing it captivates the eye...”

Sources
http://www.sacredsites.com/middle_east/israel/jerusalem.html

Dome of the Rock, Jerusalem. (1998)
http://www.sacred-destinations.com/israel/jerusalem-dome-of-the-rock

Schlesier, M. L. (2005). Deities and Places of Worship. Exploring Art: A Global, Thematic Approach. I/ed (pp. 258). Mason, OH: Thomson.

The Altar and Temple of Heaven:Kristie Hilliard

Kristie Hilliard
William Blake Group
Altar and Temple of Heaven




General Description
The Altar and Temple of Heaven was built in Beijing, China during the reign of Emperor Yong Le and was completed in 1420. In China, the emperor was regarded as the Son of Heaven and he was also considered a liaison between Heaven and Earth. Because of this, it was very important for the people to show respect for his spiritual connection between Heaven and Earth so they had ceremonies where they showed respect for the source of the emperor’s spiritual authority. These ceremonies were held at the Temple of Heaven.

Architectural Design
The Temple of Heaven covers an area of 2,700,000 square meters and has two altars, one on the inside and one of the outside. The major structures of the Temple’s roadways are spaced out in north and south axis’s. The altars and temples face the south because it is the source of temperature weather and abundance and the north was influenced by evil sources. The building is square on the southern end and semi-circular on the northern end, with the round shape symbolizing heaven and the square shape symbolizes earth. The main building of the Temple is the inner altar. The Circular Altar and the Imperial Vault of Heaven stand on the north of the inner altar, while The Hall of Prayer and The Huang Gan Hall face south. They are connected by a 360 meter long corridor. The Hall of Prayer is very colorful and it is 38 meters high. The eaves of the hall are comprised of blue tiles because the sky is blue and it is symbolic of Heaven. The symbolic layout and design of the temple had a significant influence on architecture and planning in the Far East over many centuries.

Harmony with Nature
The temple is considered to be sacred ground. Chinese people believe that heaven and earth are connected so they built the temple as a way to connect or find harmony between earth and heaven. In this way, harmony with nature and earth is shown.

Symbolism and Sacred Objects
Since the temple was built as a place where heaven and earth unites, the use of the round shapes to represent heaven and the square to represent earth are essential to the building. The circular and square patterns are repeated throughout the structure of the temple. The temple also has two walls that extend the circle and square shapes. The taller wall is semi-circular and it is longer than the rectangular wall, which represents the earth. This is likely because heaven is superior to earth. The blue tiles that are in the Hall of Prayer are also symbolic because they represent the sky, which is blue, and it also represents heaven.

Also important in the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest is a circular column that represents summer, fall, winter, and spring.

How it is used by Worshippers
Although the Altar and Temple of Heaven was originally built for the emperor of China, it was still built as a place for worship where the people could come and worship to get a feel of the connection between heaven and earth. The emperor conducted ceremonies for sacrifices to heaven and the people came to worship heaven and also pray for good harvests.

Sources
http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/881
http://www.beijing-travel.cn/Beijing_Attractions/Temple_of_Heaven.htm
http://www.china-travel-tour-guide.com/attractions/temple-of-heaven.shtml
http://www.sacred-destinations.com/china/beijing-temple-of-heaven
http://www.360cities.net/image/the-hall-of-prayer-for-good-harvest-beijing
Schlesier, M. L. (2005). Deities and Places of Worship. Exploring Art: A Global, Thematic Approach. I/ed (pp. 258). Mason, OH: Thomson.

Profile of a Sacred Space by Jennifer Hyde

Notre Dame du Haut, Le Corbusier, 1955

General Description. Notre Dame du Haut in Ronchamp, France was designed by Le Corbusier. Built from 1950 to 1955, the chapel commissioned by the Catholic church was a bold move in the modern expressionist period.

Architectural Design. The chapel at Ronchamp is one of Le Corbusier's most extreme modern buildings. It is mainly constructed of cast concrete. Le Corbusier uses massing of walls from four inches to twelve inches thick to develop the sense of subtraction in his design. The heaviness of the building is juxtaposed by delicate uses of light. The light is very controlled through punched windows in the exterior that allow shafts of colored light to flow into the central nave. There are two smaller chapels on each side of the nave that pierce its massive structure. The light is controlled in the two side chapels through skylights. The only color on the building is found in the glazing which allows a very controlled setting in the interiors. The entire design is inspired by The Modulor. Modulor dimensions have been found throughout the design not only in space planning but in details such as the grid on the floor and the Mondrian-esque window designs. Le Corbusier breaks up the massive feel of the chapel by use of membranes such as the alternating concrete membranes found on the roof and texture of the pivoting metal door.

Harmony with Nature. The environment surrounding the site played an important role in Le Courbusier's design. Although it has been argued that the building moves away from the local vernacular of the small village of Ronchamp, the building is in direct response to the hillside on which it resides. The plan consists of four rounded walls which respond to the 360 degree panoramic views one experiences from the site. The chapel can be seen from miles away. The curved forms act as synonyms to the never ending landscapes.

Symbolism and Sacred Objects. The design references three Christian symbols by its resemblance to a dove's wings, praying hands and the shape of a boat. Le Corbusier references the absent sea with the exterior water basin. Le Corbusier believed that although opposites, mountains and the seas were complimentary. The building itself becomes a colossal structure which plays the role of monument on the hillside. Specifically placed windows shine light on important sculptural pieces in the interior of the chapel. Also, the pulpits become additive sculptures to the building making them stand out as significant.

How it is used by Worshippers. The site has been a pilgrimage destination since the twelfth century. The church previously on the location had been rebuilt many times until it was finally destroyed during World War II. The chapel is innovative in its ability to house a few worshippers in the nave and chapels or to host as many as 12,000 pilgrims on the exterior lawn. This is achieved through strategic placement of the altar and pulpits not only inside but on the exterior of the building. This allows the chapel to then become a backdrop for the pilgrims. Designed specifically for pilgrimage, Le Corbusier developed a course of travel up the hillside which takes the worshipper first past a dolmen like hill, then between the youth hostel and parish house where the view of the chapel then rises out of the ground as your final destination point. The pilgrim passes through a ziggurat like altar to the east and the bell tower to the west which then guide the worshipper in a counterclockwise walk around the chapel with planned vignettes at every corner where they eventually find themselves on the lawn with outdoor altar and pulpit.

The Notre Dame du Haut in Ronchamp could be seen more as a sculpture than architecture though it has and will continue be a momentous pilgrimage for Christians and admirers alike.


Sources:

Gans, Deborah. Le Corbusier guide. 3rd ed. New York: Princeton Architectural, 2006. Print.

Lazzari, Margaret, and Dona Schlesier. Exploring Art with Infotrac A Global, Thematic, Approach. 2nd ed. Belmont: Wadsworth, 2004. Print.

"Notre Dame du Haut, or Ronchamp - Le Corbusier - Great Buildings Online." Architecture Design Architectural Images History Models and More - ArchitectureWeek Great Buildings. Web. 13 Nov. 2009. .

Profile of a Sacred Space: Stonehenge: Lisa Kenaston

 General Description
When looking at the ruins of Stonehenge, though still grand, it is evident that the remains are part of what was a magnificent architectural megalithic structure. Stonehenge is located in Wiltshire, England and is visited every year by droves of people coming to admire or worship the remains. There is an ongoing debate of what went on at this site back in the days of the Pagans up until now.
 Architectural Design
Stonehenge was built in what was believed a total of three stages. The first stage consisted of a bank that has a circumference of 320 feet and a series of Aubrey holes were dug with a circumference of 288 feet. This also included a causeway, which led into the structure. Phase two consisted of the placement of four station stones in line with the circle of Aubrey holes and the Q and R rings. The Q and R rings are newly discovered aspects that were recently found during excavation of the site. They are two separate rings formed by holes dug into the earth. Phase three is the most prominently visible aspect of the structure. In this phase a ring of Sarsen stones with lintel tops were built that has a diameter of 97 feet. This was followed by bluestones that formed an inner ring. Next there was a series of stones that form a horseshoe structure. There are also three other large stones that are placed strategically in the structure. One of these is a Heel stone, which is placed in the causeway before passing the exterior bank. A Slaughter stone was also placed in line with the ditch and the Aubrey circles after you enter from the causeway. An Alter stone can be found in the center of the structure. Many of the stones that form the central structure have fallen or are missing.



 Harmony with Nature
Some of Stonehenge’s most memorable moments are during the Summer Solstice. As the sun rises on the Summer Solstice the rays of light come flooding down the causeway. The light reaches the Heel Stone and floods all around it. The sunrays end at the Alter Stone in the center of the structure.

 Symbolism and Sacred Objects
Stonehenge has been seen as an astronomical device. Some theorists say that Stonehenge is a representation of the Pleiades constellation. The Avon River also mirrors the positioning of the Milky Way.

 How it is used by Worshippers
Other theorists believe that Stonehenge is a place to worship those who have died. In all of the Aubrey holes that have been excavated remains have been found. Each Aubrey hole is the sight of several cremated bodies. There is thought to be hundreds more buried through out each phase of the building of Stonehenge. The remains of pig and cow bones have also been found all through the grounds of Stonehenge. This may hint at animal sacrifice, which may have been for the dead that were buried here. The indigenous people may have believed the dead were responsible for providing a good harvest. It is believed that sacrifices and gatherings were thought to be made during the Summer solstice.

 Sources

http://libproxy.uta.edu:2066/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=9412200616&site=ehost-live

http://libproxy.uta.edu:2066/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=37206108&site=ehost-live

http://www.efestivals.co.uk/festivals/stonehenge/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stonehenge

http://www.soulsofdistortion.nl/Summer Solstice Galactic Alignment.html

Profile of a Sacred Space: The Great Pyramid by Javelo Jones

General Description:
The Great Pyramid of Giza, also called the Pyramid of King Khufu, and in Greek Pyramid of Cheops, is the oldest and largest of the three pyramids in the Giza Necropolis bordering what is now El Giza, Egypt, and is the first of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and is the last remaining the only surviving one substantially intact. The pyramid was built as a tomb for Fourth dynasty Egyptian King Khufu and it too over 20 years to complete, finishing around 2540 BC. The Great Pyramid was the tallest man-made structure in the world for over 3,800 years, but was not the first, furthermore was not the first true pyramid. What makes this one significant is because of its architectural advancement and the effort needed to build it.

Architectural Design:
Similar to pyramids constructed after it, it encompasses all of the standard elements of the pyramid complex, though most have since disappeared. The finished pyramid included a superstructure and substructure and enclosed with a wall of Turah limestone, which surrounded a court paved in limestone. The casing stones, 144,000 in all, were so brilliant that they could literally be seen from the mountains of Israel hundreds of miles away. After the Great Pyramid was initially sealed, its original entrance was hidden and faced with smooth limestone and blended in so well with the surrounding casing it was invisible. The base covers over 13 acres with a volume of around 90,000,000 cubic feet. You could build 30 Empire State buildings with its masonry. It stands 454 feet high, equivalent to a modern 48-story building. Each of the four triangular sides slopes upward from the base at an angle of 51 degrees each side has an area of 5 1/2 acres. The joints between adjacent blocks fit together with optical precision and less than a fiftieth of an inch separates the blocks. The cement that was used goes against chemical analysis, and with all our modern science and engineering, we would not be able to duplicate the pyramid. The Great Pyramid is the only pyramid to contain both ascending and descending passages. There are three known chambers inside which are arranged centrally, on the vertical axis of the pyramid. After entering, an 18 meter corridor leads to a split, one way leads to the lowest and unfinished chamber, which is cut into the bedrock of the foundation. It is the largest of the three other passage leads to the Grand Gallery where it splits again. One tunnel leads to the Queen's Chamber, while the other intersects with the descending corridor. An antechamber leads from the Grand Gallery to the King's Chamber.

Harmony with Nature:

While being the oldest structure on the face of the earth, the Great Pyramid is the most accurately oriented, being laid out almost exactly due north, south, east, and west. It is built to face true North. The Pyramid is located at the exact center of the Earth's land mass. That is, its East-West axis corresponds to the longest land parallel across the Earth, passing through Africa, Asia, and America and the longest land meridian on Earth, through Asia, Africa, Europa, and Antarctica, passes right through the Pyramid. Since the Earth has enough land area to provide 3 billion possible building sites for the Pyramid, the odds of it's having been built where it is are 1 in 3 billion.

Symbolism and Sacred Object:

A quote by William Fix in his book "Pyramid Odyssey" summarizes what many have thought and believe about the Great Pyramid as follows:

...men are capable of perceiving the Pyramid in an astonishing number of ways. Some have thought the Pyramid was an astronomic and astrological observatory. Some have thought it functioned as the equivalent of a theodolite for surveyers in ancient times... Some think it performed as a giant sundial... Some think it records the mathematics and science of a civilization which vanished... Some think it is a huge water pump. Others have thought it was filled with fabulous treasures... One early investigator came away convinced it was the remains of a huge volcano. Another thought the pyramids were Joseph's granaries. Some thought they were heathen idols wich should be destroyed. Some believe the Pyramid captures powerfule cosmic energies... Some think it is a tomb. Some think it is a Bible in stone with prophecies buld into the scheme of its internal passages... Some think it was a mammoth public works project which consolidated the position of the pharaoh and the unity of the nation. Some think it was built by beings from outer space. Some say it was a temple of initiation. Some hold that it was an instrument of science. Some believe it is an altar of Guild built through direct Divine Revelation. And today, judging by the uses to which it has been put, some apparently think it is an outhouse.

The Great Pyramid has an array of various geometric, geophysical, astronomical, numerical, and prophetic interpretations or coincedences made by explorers, authors, and visitors to the Great Pyramid over the last couple of centuries, such as the Great Pyramid having been used as a sundial, to the calculation of the speed of light, to the prediction of the exact dates of the birth of Adam, when the nation of Israel fled Egypt, and the life of Jesus. Some believe the existence of the Great Pyramid implies that God exists because achieving the pyramid's design with the characteristics it posseses would require one to change the size and shape of the earth, the alignment of the planets, and even components the solar system which would require power beyond human imagination.

Sources:

Great Pyramid of Giza Research Association: http://www.gizapyramid.com/index.html

Romer, John (2007). The Great Pyramid: Ancient Egypt Revisited. Cambridge University Press.
Winston, Alan. The Pyramid of Khufu at Giza in Egypt: An Introduction: http://www.touregypt.net/featurestories/greatpyramid1.htm

The Great Pyramid Part One: The Ancient Mystery Unraveled: http://www.greatpyramid.org/aip/gr-pyr1.htm

Hunkler, Tim G, Symbolism and Coincedences of the Great Pyramid
http://www.hunkler.com/pyramids/pyramid_symbolism.html

At the Museum with Wajiha Hyder

Looking through the Susan Rothenberg exhibition at the Modern Art Museum, her painting ‘the chase’ caught my eye. It was simple, yet curiosity built up in my mind. It was drawn in 1999 and had a mixture of several colors in a swirl. I couldn’t figure out why this was drawn. I learned that it was a picture of dogs killing a rabbit. It depicts several dogs frantically following or desperately escaping each other. It had heavy, dense brush strokes. In ‘The Chase’, the swirl shows frenzied action and almost a state of chaos. Oil paint was used to create this painting, it had a shiny look to it. The colors were strong and mixture of few colors was used. Some colors such as the dogs stood out, the rabbits however were hard to be seen for the background behind the rabbit was the same color. I feel like this was because the rabbit is running out of the picture while the dogs together chasing each other has become the focal point. The main chase moved from chasing a rabbit to the dogs running around each other. Through the use of color, Rothenberg brings out the energy and heat in this chase. We sometimes, in life forget our goals and end up running around in circles. We forget that what we are chasing was never what we wanted in the first place. Some get off this track of life, others continue circling within this cycle. In the painting, there is a white whorl in the middle. Its calm and leads us to see that there is nothing within this cycle in the midst of an almost uptight almost frightening situation. This is mainly where our eyes are drawn and is thus the focal point of the painting. It lets us see everything around that focal point for nothing seems to happening within the circling. The lines are shapes are not apparent, but that is like most paintings drawn by Rotherberg. There is much action and movement and that is shown with the texture. It was both smooth and rough when seen from different angles. I could not decide at first what to say about the texture but I realized it was because of her brush stokes. That was what was giving it the motion in the painting but led me to miss see the actual texture. The artist seems to have created ‘The Chase’ out of a bigger story because everything is led outside of the canvas. There is much imagery in this piece. One thing I read about Rothenberg was that she never liked to finish her paintings and everything she painted was what she saw or had seen. She also in most of her paintings admits to adding part of her own imagination to finish the piece. I feel like she left the middle up to our own interpretation. The dogs are running in this cycle misleading themselves. The one who was being chased, the rabbit, is running away out of it soon to learn that he has escaped the dogs.