EIGHTH SEMESTER

B ARCH DISSERTATION
MAY 2021

Submitted by

Miss. AANIJA PADMAN

Marian College of Architecture and Planning

Kazhakoottam, Thiruvananthapuram
Email:marianarch.in@gmail.com Mob: 8281388111
www.mcap.edu.in

ARCHITECTURAL ELEMENTS OF SPIRITUAL SPACES

 Architectural elements of spiritual spaces

Contents
1 Chapter – INTRODUCTION...........................................................................3

1.1 Spirituality and Spiritual Spaces ..............................................................3

1.1.1 Concept of Spirituality ..........................................................................3

1.1.2 Evolution of spiritual spaces over time .................................................4

1.1.3 Spiritual Spaces in present day context ................................................4

1.2 Aim

1.3 Objectives ....................................................................................................5

1.4 Scope and Purpose of the Study ................................................................6

1.5 Research hypothesis ...................................................................................6

1.6 Research questions .....................................................................................6

2 Chapter – LITERATURE REVIEW ..............................................................7

2.1 Spirituality and Built Structure ................................................................7

2.1.1 Spirituality and religion ........................................................................7

2.1.2 Spirituality beyond religion ..................................................................8

2.1.3 Art of Spiritual living ............................................................................8

2.2 Architecture and spirituality .....................................................................9

2.2.1 Exploring spirituality within built structure ..........................................9

2.2.2 Spiritual Architecture ..........................................................................11

2.3 Elements of architecture in spiritual spaces ..........................................11

2.3.1 Elements ..............................................................................................12

2.3.2 Examples of elements in spiritual spaces............................................16

3 Bibliography ....................................................................................................19

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 Architectural elements of spiritual spaces

1 Chapter – INTRODUCTION

1.1 Spirituality and Spiritual Spaces

1.1.1 Concept of Spirituality

Spirituality – “spiritual character, quality, or nature: opposed to sensuality, worldliness”

Spirituality is the process of the appropriate development of man's innate spiritual abilities. It
entails the recognition of a feeling or a conviction that there is something greater than human,
something more human than the sensory experience, and that the greatest ensemble of a part that
is cosmic or divine. Spiritual beliefs comprised the existence of God, the meaning of life, and the
absolute existence of moral laws. These beliefs lead them to adore that higher power that was
beyond the power of man. This has led to the emergence, proliferation and death of countless
systems of religious and philosophical beliefs since antiquity. (Spencer, 2016) (Hatcher, 1982)
(Buck, MSN, & RN, 2005)

Since then, humans have been in constant search for spirituality in places where they venerate that
power. As a result, the influence of religion in architecture made itself felt. While the religious
beliefs of mankind changed from time to time, the constructed structures they used for worship
made the purpose of spiritual enlightenment, but on a different religion's behalf .As the religious
beliefs of human changed from time to time the built structures that they used for worship did the
purpose of spiritual awakening but in the name of different religion. This is when the significance
of spiritual architecture came into the notification. Since spirituality is humans attempt to make
ourselves aware of our spirit, spiritual architecture helps in facilitating this awareness. Eugine
victor walter in placeways define spiritual space as a specific environment or phenomena that are
expected to support the imagination nourish spiritual experience and convey spiritual truth”
(Buck, MSN, & RN, 2005) (Gunjal, 2018)

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1.1.2 Evolution of spiritual spaces over time

Spiritual architecture has always existed. Rather than simply becoming a form of religious
representation, architecture is regarded as timeless when it has a connection with the foundations
of its spiritual vision. This happens when the constructed elements contribute significantly to the
spiritual sensation of the place. The profound energy courses through these components and mirror
a feeling of the heavenly model consequently gives the structures this immortal sense. Later,
adequate flow of this spiritual energy are set with such geometry of these elements. Thus
throughout history, timeless buildings communicated and transferred these energies and have a
considerable spatial quality and these buildings were always associated with a strict system of
geometrical measurements, proportions, and relationships (Essawy, Kamel, & Elsawy, 2014)

1.1.3 Spiritual Spaces in present day context

Architecture can create the type of atmospheres that are supporting, uplifting, or inspiring, and
also the spaces that are suffocating, compressing, or sombre. It may also alter mood, control a
situation, and create an experience. Architecture, regardless of religion, is developed with the
intent of elevating the soul. Contemporary spiritual places frequently ignore traditional religious
symbols in favour of creating settings that enlighten the soul. These sacred spaces are not only
vital socio-cultural public spaces for society, but they are also places where people feel protected
and have a sense of belonging to a group. In today's society, religion is rarely used as a strategy
for triggering feelings of soul stirring. When approached from this perspective, the concept of
spirituality does not resonate with the concept of religion. (Baum, 2016) (Melbourne & Hayward,
2021)

Architecture is the first forerunner on the road to a full realisation of one's inner self. For this
reason, it creates a safe space for self-realization, informs his external environment, and creates a
suitable location for the gathering of those who share his faith, as a defence against the threat of
tempest, rain, and savage animals. There are some common design tools that help to create the
spiritual experience, in addition to the variety of buildings and design approaches used in the effort
to create a space where man can feel spirituality.

The portal, also known as the threshold, is the entranceway into the sacred space that helps to
separate the sacred from the ordinary.

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Figure -1: Striking architecture that provides space for diverse spiritual experience

EL Salvador by; EMC Architects

Image: Tom Arban

1.2 Aim

Aim of the project is to study about the architectural elements of a built structure and how they
contribute to the spiritual experience of the space without the influence of religion.

1.3 Objectives

 Study about the types architectural elements in spiritual spaces

 Study about the evolution of architectural elements in spiritual spaces from time to time.
 Study briefly about the influence of architecture in enhancing spatial quality of a spiritual
space
 Compare the architectural elements of spiritual spaces of different religion and understand
the similarities in them

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 Architectural elements of spiritual spaces

1.4 Scope and Purpose of the Study

Form of a built structure has a big influence on its spirituality. Since spirituality is a universal
concept, the research will take into account different cultural and religious perspectives.

The main focus of the research will be on learning about the architectural elements that are
required to create a spiritual environment free of religious influence. Nonetheless, the challenge
will be understanding about architectural elements that are appropriate for everyone.

1.5 Research hypothesis

Spiritual architecture exists beyond religion. Religion has no bearing on the creation of a spiritual
environment. The architectural elements of a space determine its spiritual character.

1.6 Research questions

a. How does architectural elements help in bringing spiritual feel?

b. How does the elements evolve from time to time?
c. How does the architectural elements help in transforming space to spiritual?
d. Similarities and differences in architectural elements of different spaces through case
studies

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2 Chapter – LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Spirituality and Built Structure

Spirituality is a state of mind that is concerned with the human spirit or soul rather than material
or physical things. Humans define the spaces in which they worship! Perform rituals! And practice
spirituality. From an architectural perspective a space is initially empty, and then is designed
considering its function and its character is defined. Apart from those spaces which serve a
consistently secular function and purpose, humans have sought to define the spiritual space by
developing the built environment using architectural elements. These spaces may have an
emotional as well as a spiritual dimension. It provides a space for both the physical and spiritual
domains to connect. Spiritual space builds an environment where one can escape the physical
world and enter into the spiritual realm. (Hood, R. W., & Spilka, 2009)

2.1.1 Spirituality and religion

Religion is widely used term which is notoriously hard to define. Many attempts have been made
to do so, yet it remains true that any differences in religion are likely to be satisfying only to its
author. These enduring difficulties are caused by several reasons. Religion is not a unique thing,
but rather is an often misleading recitation in the minds of different individuals of similar but non-
identical ideas. In most cases spiritual ideas, and practices are considered as religious or sacred.

Almost every object that somewhere was regarded as spiritual. This poses serious problems with
the definition of religion in substance. Such definitions are only suitable in a narrow cultural
context. If we want to interrelationship or understand the psychological or sociological factors of
religion or practice it is preferable to take a more functionalistic approach that examines what
religion is. (Guthrie, (1996) )

2.1.2 Spirituality in Present context

In current history, the concept of spirituality as something separate from or complementary to

religion has gained popularity in public discourse. This distinction can be traced back to the birth

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of the New Age movement, despite the fact that spiritual practices have existed for thousands of
years within religions. Although various distinctions between spirituality and religion have been
made, the theoretical foundations for doing so are questionable. Gorsuch (1993), for example,
distinguishes personalized spirituality from institutionalized religion, implying that spirituality is
primarily a psychological phenomenon while religions are primarily sociological. These
distinctions are problematic because they are based on a narrow understanding of each term. There
are no unified, institutional religions in many cultures, particularly indigenous ones, and the
limitations between the personal and the communal are accepted very differently. A
comprehensive examination of global and historical perspectives on religion and or spirituality is
already beyond limits. (Oman & De, 2013)

2.1.3 Spirituality beyond religion

Spiritually meaningful life can be lived without adhering to any particular theology or religious
tradition. Despite the abundance of religious views in our surrounding, some of us may have felt
the presence of something holy and desired it to be a part of our lives. The majority of people have
abandoned their conventional religious beliefs since they appear to be of no help in today's
significant life issue. In most circumstances, faith is not founded on direct encounters with the
sacred. It is founded on the hereditary transmission of knowledge and faith.

Human spiritual evolution has always progressed through time. They have a variety of spiritual
experiences. Some people have genuine experiences, while others do not. Depending on the
person's mental state, these have healing properties. (Corbett, 2006)

There have been differences between spirituality and religiousness in several aspects but the
theoretical reasons for this are debatable. Gorsuch (1993), for example, distinguishes personalised
spirituality from religion, indicating that spirituality is essentially a psychological phenomenon
and faith is sociological. These differences are problematic because the conception of each term
is relatively small. There are not centralised institutional religions in many cultures, especially
indigenous ones, and the boundaries of the personal and communal are very different. (Murphy,
2017)

2.2 Art of Spiritual living

“You realize that all along there was something tremendous within you, and you did not know it”
- paramahansa yogananda
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Over the years mystics and everyone have given the same response to the doubts about spiritual
living that is to build a personal connection to the better power that ties us to the soul. The spiritual
life is a practical approach to this relationship. People became healthy during the time when they
habitually followed natural phenomena. People in ancient times were more concerned with their
health than with any other aspect of existence. The only difference that is now becoming apparent
is that people are growing. People are more technologically inclined than any other natural
occurrence, focusing on the tangible rather than the intangible.

The traditional ideals have become ordinary for the following generation, limiting their growth in
terms of health and natural being. The health and well-being of people have forgotten to analyse
themselves have changed a great deal in living standards. The balanced lifestyle and meditation
practises are based on the knowledge that body, mind and soul interconnect. These aspects of our
nature are comprehensive and can be consolidated, balanced, and kept healthy. The role of
architecture is now seen as giving life to such a space. Spirituality can be found anywhere and
everywhere, but there has been a major misunderstanding in society about this minor distinction,
necessitating the creation of separate spaces for people to actually find peace and inner-
contentment. As a result, the concept of spiritual architecture emerges. (Corbett, 2006)

2.3 Architecture and spirituality

2.3.1 Exploring spirituality within built structure

Spirituality helps to get into the pursuit of inner peace through various methods such as meditation
and yoga. After countless spiritual experiments, the soul has the potential to achieve
consciousness. The process of cleansing the mind from all impressions can be accomplished
through spiritual practises. The human mind can develop an idea of inner peace as a result of these
characteristics. How can architecture be linked to a person in this way?

The places where individuals interact have a significant impact on their mental wellbeing. The
built environment is extremely important and has a direct or indirect impact on the development
of personality. A built structure's design can inadvertently create tangible interaction and boost
user engagement. These modes of interaction have the potential to unlock a new realm of human
experience. Individuals' emotions can even be triggered by physical movement in space and the
form of a structure. As a matter of fact, we can construct environments that are responsive to and
responsive to human gestures, along with creating meaningful experiences.
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Architecture is crucial in translating the undefinable into tangibles. Tadao Ando's design
establishes the nature and soul of architecture by conveying the spirit of place through his concept.
His architecture is a collection of artistically composed spatial form and surprises. People have
been able to go on a growth journey through his work. It also makes us think by using a well-
practiced architectural arrangement of elements to create a sense of soul awareness. (hunter, 1978)

Figure – 2 – Absence/Presence

Source: some/things magazine

Architecture has evolved over time, and spirituality is one term that has emerged from
architectural principles. With the passage of time, various architects and designers have begun to
believe in creating spaces that are more than just a facade but also have a deeper meaning.

Tadao Ando's design philosophy has aided in the transformation spaces. By trying to mimic
delightful and moving feelings that provide people with a good poetic experience in various spatial
structures, his designs have ushered in accurate and progressing concepts and themes. The true
value of architecture is found in the feelings and affection it inspires in people. (Birch & Sinclair,
2013) (hunter, 1978) (UK essays;, 2015)
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2.3.2 Spiritual Architecture

In the sense that it is an expression of man's work, architecture carries the idea of being spiritual.
Architecture is more than just a collection of materials; even the most basic structure has its own
history, dignity, and ethics, all of which bear witness to a lived experience. Designing a spiritual
space can then be a way of coming to terms with our time and acknowledging a new and different
legitimacy for the social and civil city. Building is a sacred act in and of itself; it is an action that
transforms a natural state into a cultural state, and the history of architecture is the history of these
transformations. Designing an architectural space is a process that aims to prepare the environment
so that activities and emotions can be expressed appropriately. The souls predisposed to
investigate the suggestions and expectations offered by the construction of space are undoubtedly
touched by architecture. Designing a spiritual space can then be a way of coming to terms with
our time and acknowledging a new and different legitimacy for the social and civil city. The
elements of architecture create space while also controlling and balancing geometric patterns.
(Powell, L. H, & Thoresen, 2003)

2.4 Elements of architecture in spiritual spaces

In general, architectural design consists of many elements of basic design. If these elements are
combined properly, they can be used to create beautiful and functional structures. Our spiritual
life, like architecture, is made up of similar elements and components. When appropriate elements
with significant spiritual meanings are combined according to the structure, a wonderful character
emerges, which we can refer to as soul architecture. People will love a well-designed building
because it is beautiful, useful, and sturdy

 Scale and proportion

 Emphasis
 Space and volume
 Colour and light
 Value
 Texture

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2.4.1 Elements
2.4.1.1 Scale and Proportion

The relative size of individual elements in relation to one another and to a reference measuremen
t is referred to as scale. The dimensional relationship of one part to another or to the whole,
expressed as a ratio, is known as proportion.

Figure - 3

Source ; Donally architects

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2.4.1.2 Emphasis

The architectural design principle of emphasis establishes a focal point within the design solution.
The art of emphasis is achieved by establishing a climax in relation to a particular feature or
element. This achievement could be based on the height, colour, texture, or sound. The purpose
of emphasis is to give a sense of the design solution's underlying theme or context. The focal point
is typically an item, space, or element that the rest of the design revolves around. Any element
that deliberately contrasts with the overall composition is automatically perceived as a focal point,
a distinct element that requires our attention.

Figure - 4

Source – Architizer

2.4.1.3 Space and Volume

Though its influence on the mind, space as a psychological concept can be understood.
Claustrophobia is a psychological condition caused by a fear of being enclosed – of not having
enough space. Agoraphobia is a psychological condition caused by a fear of being exposed in
open spaces due to a lack of enclosure. These conditions are real, and many people experience
them as a result of their unique environment and spatial arrangements. The actual enclosure, or
space limits, are applied through design to create enclosed spaces within a larger constructed

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solution. Design employs forms and shapes to create a unique relationship between these elements
and space, as well as to create a positive or negative effect.

Figure - 5

Source- World architecture community

2.4.1.4 Colour and light

Colour is an aspect of architectural design that can have a wide range of effects. Colour can be
strategically used to emphasise a building's or component's character, to accentuate form and
materials, or to separate and define distinct divisions of an overall scheme. Lighting is difficult to
control in architectural design, but it is critical to design's experience. The design must
strategically locate the necessary voids (windows, skylights, clerestory windows, doors). When
done correctly, these effects can give the room a sense of Spirituality.

Figure – 6, Role of colour

Source - Pinterest
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 Architectural elements of spiritual spaces

Figure – 7, Role of light

Source – Arckit us

2.4.1.5 Value

The value of architecture is determined by two factors: the first is the impression it gives of human
power, and the second is the image it gives of natural creation.

2.4.1.6 Texture

In architecture, texture serves two purposes: it expresses the quality of materials and it gives light
a distinct quality.

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2.4.2 Examples of elements in spiritual spaces

With recent advancements in material and construction technology, spiritual architecture has
undergone significant transformation. As our cultures evolve our places of worship are leaning
away from symbolic imagery of heavenly abodes and toward clean and geometric volumes, where
architectural elements contribute to the subject of worship and contemplation

2.4.2.1 Kol Shofar, Tiburon

A conservative synagogue in Tiburon, California, founded in 1962

Figure - 8

Light

Color

Volume

Source - Greystone west

As the light filters through the slatted wood, a natural ambiance is created. Because the wood is
placed in different dimensions, the light reflects differently on each piece of wood along the
curved path. The sanctuary's open round space evokes the feel of a redwood grove. The burnt red
fabric on the curved rows of seating matches the bark of the trees nearby.
Volume | colour | light

2.4.2.2 Martin Luther church

A protestant church together with a sanctuary, since the 17th century, it has stood on the site of a
predecessor church that no longer exists in Austria

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Figure - 9

Light

Source- Bollinger + grohmann

The entire roof structure is supported by four steel columns. The prayer room ceiling has a design
language developed from the shape of an adjacent Romanesque ossuary's curved roof – the
geometry of this century-old structure is interpreted into a form. As a result, the space has the
most natural light and volume.
Volume | Light

2.4.2.3 Ribbon Chapel

A structure that could conjure up the idea of marriage

Figure - 10

Light

Volume

Source – Design indaba

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With glass blocking the gaps in their coverage, the ribbons form an irregular orbit around each
other, while also allowing natural light into the space. The massive volume helps in bringing in
sunlight from the top. This church appears to be anything from a contemporary art sculpture to
reality collapsing around it.
Form | Volume | Light

2.4.2.4 Makomanai takino cemetry

The idea of hiding a statue resulted in the creation of focus.

Figure - 11

Focus

Source – My modern met

Constructed to draw attention to a statue that had been sitting alone for 15 years. The goal was to
create a vivid spatial sequence, starting with the long approach through the tunnel. To heighten
anticipation for the statue, whose head is framed by a halo of the sky when they reach the hall at
the end of the approach tunnel. The building's raw concrete, dramatic play of natural light, and
interplay of interior and exterior spaces all play a major role.
Focus | Volume

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3 Bibliography

Baum, M. K. (2016). Surface. What is sacred, 77.

Birch, R., & Sinclair, B. (2013). Spirituality in Place. Building Connections Between Architecture,
Design, and Spiritual Experience, 9.

Buck, H. G., MSN, & RN. (2005). Spirituality. Concept analysis and model development, 5.

Corbett, L. (2006). Psyche and the Sacred. Spirituality Beyond Religion, 395.

Essawy, S., Kamel, B., & Elsawy, M. S. (2014). TIMELESS BUILDINGS AND THE HUMAN
BRAIN. The Effect of Spiritual Spaces on Human Brain Waves, 10.

Groat, L., & Wang, D. (2013). Architectural Research Methods. New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons.

Gunjal, K. (2018). STUDY OF ARCHITECTURAL ELEMENTS OF SPIRITUAL SPACES .

Guthrie, S. E. ((1996) ). Religion: What is it? Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion.

Hatcher, W. S. (1982). The Concept of Spirituality. los angeles: Bahá’í Studies.

Hood, R. W., H., & Spilka. (2009). The psychology of religion: An empirical approach. New
York: The Guildford Press.

hunter, m. (1978). Tadao Anto. conversations with students, 31.

Melbourne, A., & Hayward. (2021). Architecture now. Retrieved from Spaces:
https://architecturenow.co.nz/articles/sacred-spaces/

Murphy, J. (2017). Beyond “Religion” and “Spirituality". Extending a “Meaning Systems”

Approach to Explore Lived Religion, 26.

Oman, & De. (2013). Handbook of the psychology of religion and spirituality (2nd ed.). New
York,: Guilford Publications.

Powell, L. H, S., & Thoresen, L. (2003). Religion and spirituality.

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Spencer, D. M. (2016). What is spirituality? A personal exploration. 4.

Turabin, K. L. (2013). A maual for writers of research paper, Theses, and disseratation. London:
University of Chicago Press.

UK essays;. (2015). The Spirituality And Architecture. Theology-Religion, 21.

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