After successful completion of the course, students are able to evaluate sacred buildings and spaces of different religions, their effects and perception, appreciation or rejection according to various aspects. The focus is on sacred buildings realized in the 21st century and which are not necessarily identifiable as such from the outside.
Study Days "Sacred Buildings in an Urban Context"
Sacred buildings, which have always been among the icons and most influential projects in the history of architecture, have not lost any of their significance and power in the new millennium. Worldwide, we are confronted with the trend that churches, synagogues and mosques are increasingly being designed and built in a decidedly contemporary architectural language. Does this development mean the loss of familiar architectural features and their symbolism? Does the believer lose his claim to them? How do believers deal with this 21st century trend?
Over the course of two study days, these trends, developments and opinions will be presented and discussed, as well as current competitions, plans and examples of recent conversions and changes in use of sacred architecture. This year, the focus will be on the role of the sacred building in the urban context as collective property.
Experts from the fields of architecture and urban planning, culture, religion, science and politics have been invited. They will present proposed solutions, report and comment on the reactions of the communities concerned. At the same time, the work of architects, planners and all those responsible will be in the spotlight.
Students must not see themselves as passive listeners and viewers, they must (be able to) critically evaluate the content presented. Active participation in discussions is an essential part of the course. Attendance on both days is compulsory! In case of unexcused absence, places will be allocated to interested parties from the waiting list. If you are unable to attend due to work commitments, internships or similar, please contact me.
The study days will take place on 29 and 30 January 2025 from 9.30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Programme will be announced
Attendance at the lectures is compulsory and participants must be prepared to actively participate in online discussions and to submit oral statements after the individual lectures.
To prove an independent and critical examination of the topic "Interreligious and Intercultural Architecture", all participants have to write a kind of project paper (written submission via TUWEL):
Project paper : two to max. four A4 pages, min. 4000 to max. 6000 characters continuous text (incl. footnotes, and bibliography and figures)