Sacred architecture has great relevance in history with neoclassical, gothic and modern churches and temples. But it has always been a great challenge for architects who seek to translate into forms the
spirituality of a group in a given era and sociocultural context.
Great names in international architecture have ventured into sacred projects.
Frank Lloyd Wright designed religious spaces for Protestant, Jewish and Christian temples. The best known among them are the
Unity Temple in Oak Park, Illinois and the
Beth Sholon Synagogue in Elkins Park, Pennsylvania.
In 1950,
Le Corbusier was commissioned to design a Catholic church to replace one that had been destroyed during World War II. The third and final religious project of his career, the
Chapel of Notre Dame du Haut , or Our Lady of the Heights, is located in the foothills of the Vosges mountain range near Belfort, France.
Brazilian architect
Oscar Niemeyer also has works dedicated to religion. The
Metropolitan Cathedral of Our Lady of Aparecida was the first monument to be built in the capital. The cornerstone was laid on September 12, 1958, and its structure was completed in 1960, but it was only in 1970 that all phases of the work were completed and the stained glass windows, designed by the architect from the beginning, were installed. The construction earned Niemeyer the Pritzker Prize in 1988.
At
CASACOR Rio Grande do Sul 2015 , the
chapel designed by
Dallagnol R Junior was a highlight. The number seven defined the structural and aesthetic proportions of the 11 m² space. The building was seven meters high and had seven glazed spans; the same number of crystal pendant chandeliers and LCD screens that functioned as digital boards. The number was chosen because it finds meaning and correspondences in various religions, characterizing an ecumenical profile. Neutrality was also translated into pure forms and the light color palette, present in the waterproof plasterboard and in the furniture, with wood-like melamine finish and glossy and matte lacquers.
At
CASACOR Ribeirão Preto 2019 ,
Sérgio Coelho surprised everyone with his
Chapel for All Saints project. The space, which overlooks a garden, provided a sense of relaxation. Its elements were full of references and meanings. Built with noble materials such as marble, wood and stone, the chapel welcomed visitors with an illuminated cross. The starting point was an altar with several images of Saints. The idea was for each visitor to find their protector.[newsletter]
