#Sacred Architecture

[bfleuter]

A bunch of art from a Blades in the Dark game I ran a few years ago (custom setting)

[sacredtabby]

Peterborough Cathedral

~Portfolio Entry One~

The Peterborough Cathedral is a Norman Cathedral based in Peterborough, Cambridgeshire. With their work going from East to West, the cathedral started its construction in 1118 and the style that was chosen was maintained for 80 years during the building process. The cathedral is a very traditional looking church. By “Traditional”, I mean that the Peterborough Cathedral is something I could envision if someone says the word “cathedral”. The church holds a lot of history because one of Henry VIII’s wives, Catherine of Aragon, is buried on the grounds. Mary Queen of Scots was buried there as well. Two women in history that are well known by the public either from history or even on-screen adaptations. Within the many years that this cathedral has been standing, accidents have happened, including fires which the cathedral has overcome and still stands as strong as ever today.

The Peterborough Cathedral has much significance to it, as do most cathedrals. As mentioned previously, Catherine of Aragon is buried there, which speaks for itself about how that contributes to the significance of it all. Cathedrals are a place of worship, love, and trust. The act of having a Christian church service is a good use of the building and how to keep the cathedral alive for so long. There are many uses for this church, including symphony performances that are still going on with lots of people attending. The visual aspects of the church are incredible and have extreme detail. Cathedrals are almost always breathtaking with their engravings, structures, etc. The cathedral has a few different styles of architecture that blend together very nicely. Gothic, Norman, Romanesque, and English Gothic architecture. It is easy to say that the cathedral is both Gothic and Romanesque because Gothic architecture came from and evolved from the Romanesque architecture. The similarities between the two architectural styles make it easy to say that the cathedral is presenting both. Norman architecture also falls under Romanesque, but it makes sense that these different types of architectural styles are so similar because the builders wanted the building to stay consistent throughout the time it took them to build it. Since cathedrals take so long to build because of the equipment used at the time and the extreme detail that goes into creating a sacred building, mixing drastically different types of architecture could make the look of the church less appealing in different ways. Although the use of the word Gothic makes it seem depressing and dark, Gothic architecture tends to be bright and filled with delight to warm up the public and the people attending church. A church is supposed to bring faith and joy among the people, but being in a dreary building has a way of either hindering or making it not as enjoyable as it could be. With the use of the Gothic and similar styles, as I said earlier, it brought brightness into buildings and made the church experience something that is for lack of better words, iconic. Religion is beautiful in many ways, and the style of architecture that the Peterborough Cathedral is built in is an example of one of the many iconic buildings in the country of England and the world.

Having been to the cathedral myself, I walked around and noticed the many graves around the building. Many are buried on the grounds, whether they are common people or historical figures such as Mary Queen of Scots and Catherine of Aragon. Although Mary Queen of Scots is no longer at the Peterborough Cathedral, it is important to note that she was once there.

Located in the center of the city, the Peterborough Cathedral is right in the middle of the city, making it urban. The cathedral being in the center of the city doesn’t make it any less breathtaking or beautiful. At least I often associate rural places with being more sacred because of other sites such as Stonehenge. The city doesn’t take away the essentials of a sacred place, in fact, I think it enriches the experience. Being able to walk in a city and all of a sudden stumbling upon a building that is centuries old with such significance is incredible, and the fact that the UK has so many places like this is very impressive. Coming from the United States, things like century old buildings are less easy to come by and it’s very shocking no matter how long I’ve been here in the UK and how many places I’ve seen. It is extremely important to take care of these buildings and to share with others about the historical aspects and importance of these buildings. Being well versed in the architecture, religion, and sanctuary that the Peterborough Cathedral provides is a good start and can only excite others to look at more sacred architecture in the UK and other places across Europe.

[emmaklee]

Holy Family Shrine

Gretna NE (1997-2002)

architect: Jim Dennel

[adlij]

The Verse That Faces Outward

The Verse That Faces Outward The Hidden Poem Above the Prophet’s Gate A Knock Upon the Door: A Poem Hidden in Stone In the sacred precincts of Madinah al-Munawwarah, where pilgrims send peace upon the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), few notice a quiet miracle. Above the gate to the Rawḍah — where our Prophet rests — is an engraved verse of Arabic poetry, nestled in plain sight. Most eyes…

[archseekergr1]

"Under the silent watch of day, the building transforms, its empty windows hinting at untold stories." 🌅 🏢

📍ECO HOMES DAP-DAP , Lgeazpi City , Albay

[archseeker]

"Under the silent watch of night, the building transforms, its empty windows hinting at untold stories."

📍ECO HOMES DAP-DAP , Lgeazpi City , Albay

[emmaklee]

Russian convent

[omegaphilosophia]

The Philosophy of the Square

The philosophy of the square explores the symbolic, geometric, and metaphysical meanings of the square as a representation of stability, order, rationality, and the material world. Squares are deeply embedded in philosophical, architectural, and cultural traditions, often serving as a counterpoint to the circle, embodying concepts of structure, balance, and boundaries.

Key Concepts:

Mathematical Foundation:

Geometric Precision: A square is a regular quadrilateral, with four equal sides and four right angles. In geometry, it is a symbol of perfect symmetry and balance, representing stability and consistency in the material world. Its equal angles and sides make it an ideal figure for illustrating mathematical order and logic.

Foundation of Measurement: In ancient geometry, the square was often used as a basic unit of measurement and as a foundation for constructing other shapes. It plays a crucial role in concepts like area and perimeter, where the square serves as a reference point for understanding dimensions and space.

Symbolism of Stability and Order:

Foundational Structure: The square is frequently associated with the material world, physical reality, and earthly structures. It represents stability and solidity, often serving as the basis for architectural design, where squares and rectangles are used for constructing buildings, homes, and cities. The square is seen as a shape that anchors things to the ground, representing the idea of a solid foundation.

Boundaries and Limits: The square also symbolizes boundaries, as its four sides form a closed system. This boundary aspect reflects the way societies, laws, and ethical systems define limits, boundaries, and rules. In this way, the square becomes a metaphor for structured thinking, moral frameworks, and social order.

Metaphysical and Cosmological Significance:

Earth and the Material Realm: In many ancient cultures, the square was associated with the Earth, in contrast to the circle, which symbolized the heavens. The four sides of the square were often linked to the four elements (earth, water, air, fire) or the four cardinal directions (north, south, east, west), reinforcing the idea of the square as a symbol of the material world and physical existence.

Harmony of Opposites: The square can also symbolize balance and harmony between opposing forces. Philosophers like Pythagoras saw geometric shapes like the square as symbolic representations of cosmic order, with the square embodying equilibrium and balance between opposing elements, such as hot and cold or light and dark.

Platonic and Pythagorean Views:

Platonic Forms: For Plato, geometric shapes like the square represented ideal forms, perfect abstractions that exist beyond the material world. The square, with its perfect proportions, was seen as an expression of rationality and mathematical purity, offering a glimpse into the realm of ideal forms that underlie the material world.

Pythagorean Harmony: The Pythagoreans, who believed in the harmonious relationships between numbers and the cosmos, saw the square as a representation of perfect proportionality. For them, squares and other geometric shapes reflected the deep, underlying order of the universe.

Cultural and Symbolic Interpretations:

Sacred Architecture: In many cultures, the square was used as the basis for sacred architecture. Temples, altars, and city layouts were often constructed using square or rectangular designs, symbolizing order and connection with the divine. The square’s perfect symmetry and rational structure were seen as reflecting cosmic harmony and the ideal order of society.

Four Virtues: In some ethical philosophies, the square represents four virtues or principles that are essential for leading a balanced life. For example, in Confucian philosophy, the square may symbolize the virtues of wisdom, justice, courage, and moderation, aligning with the idea of moral balance and harmony.

Philosophical Symbolism:

Rationality and Logic: The square is often associated with rational thought, logic, and the structured mind. It represents clear, logical thinking, where ideas fit neatly into defined categories. Philosophers who emphasize reason, such as Descartes, might use the square as a metaphor for the structure of logical argumentation or the organization of knowledge.

Materialism vs. Spirituality: The square, as a symbol of the material world, is sometimes contrasted with the circle, which represents the spiritual or eternal. In this sense, the square can represent the finite, tangible world of matter, while the circle represents the infinite, spiritual world of the divine or the soul.

Psychological and Ethical Dimensions:

Balance and Security: In psychological terms, the square is often seen as a symbol of security and balance. People who are described as "square" are often perceived as stable, reliable, and grounded, though sometimes lacking in spontaneity. The square can represent a preference for order and predictability, as opposed to chaos and uncertainty.

Ethical Boundaries: In ethical philosophy, the square can symbolize the boundaries within which moral behavior is expected. Just as the square defines a fixed space, ethical systems define limits and guidelines for acceptable behavior. This connection to boundaries and order makes the square a useful metaphor for understanding moral principles.

Challenges to Innovation and Flexibility:

Rigidity: While the square represents stability and order, it can also symbolize rigidity and a lack of flexibility. In some contexts, being "boxed in" or adhering too strictly to rules and structures is seen as a limitation. Philosophical critiques of overly rigid systems, whether in politics, ethics, or social behavior, often invoke the square as a metaphor for these constraints.

Innovation vs. Tradition: The tension between the square (representing structure and tradition) and more dynamic shapes, like the circle or spiral (representing change and innovation), reflects broader philosophical debates about the balance between order and progress. Philosophers who advocate for constant change may view the square as a limiting form, while those who value stability may see it as essential.

The square symbolizes order, stability, and rationality, representing the material world and the boundaries that define it. It plays a foundational role in both mathematics and philosophical thought, reflecting ideas of balance, structure, and proportionality. From its use in sacred architecture to its role in ethical and metaphysical discussions, the square embodies the tension between stability and rigidity, offering insights into how human societies structure both physical and moral worlds.

[shisasan]

Ph. tokyoshooter

[illustratus]

Full moon behind the Temple Expiatori del Sagrat Cor, on the summit of Mount Tibidabo in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.

[rherlotshadow]

Inside the ancient church of St John's in Inglesham, dating back to the 13th century, and its many layers of paint.

[bfleuter]

My partner's character from a Blades campaign that wrapped up a couple years ago.

[heavensdoorways]

The Sacred Well of Predio Canopoli, Perfugas, Sardinia, Italy,

Late Bronze Age, 1500-1250 BCE,

At least 3,500 years old, The Sacred Well of Predio Canapoli was discovered in 1924.

The Temple is recognized for its architectural refinement within Nuragic Sardinian culture.

The structure features a isodomic building technique, made from stones of uniform size with remarkable precision.

Its layout includes a narrow staircase leading to the well chamber, an atrium, stone seats on the walls, and a block table with a tray and channel carved into it.

The well temple was constructed with precisely cut limestone ashlar squared stones sourced from the Laerru area. In many Nuragic constructions, there is an ambition to achieve symmetrical perfection, showcased by their skillful masonry and precision.

The well itself is part of a larger sacred complex that includes remnants of a village and a megaron-style temple. Surrounding the Predio Canapoli are scarce 'ritual deposits' with artifacts recovered that have been dated to be from as early as the 9th century BC.

Sardinia is rich with preserved history and the Sacred Well of Predio Canapoli is a great example of ancient Sardinian architecture

[arc-hus]

Brion Tomb & Sanctuary, Terriso, Italy - Carlo Scarpa

[allthingseurope]

Sacre Coeur, France (by JH)

[andallshallbewell]