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What Are The Architectural Considerations For Designing Sustainable Religious Buildings?

Religious Architecture Awards

The 2017 Religious Architecture Awards by Faith & Form recognize the best in religious architecture and art. Each year, a jury of architects and artists select the winners in various categories, including new construction, renovation, and liturgical art. This year's winners showcase outstanding design and creativity in their respective fields, and we're excited to share some of the most impressive projects with you.

New Construction Category

The new construction category recognizes buildings that have been designed and built specifically for religious purposes.

Winner: Congregation Beth Israel by Weinstein A+U

This synagogue in Portland, Oregon, was designed to achieve LEED Gold certification and integrates sustainable design solutions throughout the building. The design creates a sense of transparency and access to the surrounding natural landscape, while still maintaining a feeling of reverence and sanctity.

Runner-Up: Jubilee Baptist Church by Modus Studio

This church in Fayetteville, Arkansas, was designed to embody the church's values of community, sustainability, and worship. The design incorporates a rain garden, natural daylighting, and locally sourced materials, resulting in a harmonious relationship with the surrounding environment.

Renovation Category

The renovation category recognizes projects that have undergone significant renovations to better serve their religious communities.

Winner: St. Louis Jesuits Chapel at Rockhurst University by Gould Evans Associates

This renovation project in Kansas City, Missouri, transformed an outdated chapel into a modern and inviting space for worship. The design preserves the original architectural features while introducing contemporary elements, such as a new altar and seating arrangement, to better serve the needs of modern worshipers.

Runner-Up: St. Joseph Chapel at Spring Hill College by ArchitectureWorks

This renovation project in Mobile, Alabama, updated a historic chapel originally built in 1852. The design preserved the chapel's original Gothic Revival style while introducing new lighting, sound, and audiovisual systems to better accommodate modern worship practices.

Liturgical Art Category

The liturgical art category recognizes artwork that enhances the spiritual experience of religious spaces.

Winner: Resurrection Window at St. Peter's Episcopal Church by Kreis+Krug Stained Glass Studio

This stained glass window in Paris, Kentucky, depicts the theme of resurrection in a colorful and contemporary way. The design integrates traditional elements with modern techniques to create a dynamic and inspiring work of art.

Runner-Up: The Flight into Egypt by Tom Clark Glass

This stained glass window in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, depicts the story of Joseph, Mary, and Jesus fleeing to Egypt as refugees. The design uses bold colors and abstract shapes to convey the urgency and danger of the situation, while also highlighting the hope and resilience of the Holy Family.

Why Religious Architecture Matters

Religious architecture has the power to inspire, uplift, and unify communities of faith. Here are just a few reasons why it's so important:

1. It Creates a Sense of Sacred Space

Religious architecture is designed to create a sense of sacred space that is distinct from everyday life. The use of symbols, materials, and lighting creates a transcendent atmosphere that can help people connect with their spirituality and feel a sense of awe and wonder.

2. It Celebrates Diversity and Unity

Religious architecture can celebrate the diversity of religious traditions while also fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose. The design can incorporate elements from different faiths and cultures, while also reflecting the unique identity and values of a particular community.

3. It Reflects and Shapes Cultural Values

Religious architecture both reflects and shapes cultural values. The design of a religious building can convey a sense of tradition, history, and cultural heritage, while also pushing the boundaries of artistic and architectural innovation.

4. It Provides a Space for Community and Connection

Religious buildings provide a space for people to come together and connect with others who share their beliefs and values. These spaces are not just for worship, but also for fellowship, education, and social gatherings. The design can incorporate spaces for all these activities, helping to foster a sense of community and connection.

5. It Inspires Creativity and Innovation

Religious architecture has a long history of inspiring creativity and innovation in art and architecture. Many of the world's most iconic buildings, such as Notre Dame Cathedral and the Hagia Sophia, are religious structures that have inspired generations of artists and architects.

FAQs

What is the purpose of the Religious Architecture Awards?

The purpose of the Religious Architecture Awards is to recognize outstanding design and creativity in the field of religious architecture and art. The awards are intended to promote a wider understanding and appreciation of the important role that religious buildings play in our communities.

Who judges the Religious Architecture Awards?

The Religious Architecture Awards are judged by a panel of architects and artists who specialize in religious design. The judges evaluate entries based on the criteria of design excellence, creativity, and innovation.

Can anyone enter the Religious Architecture Awards?

Yes, the Religious Architecture Awards are open to architects, designers, and artists who have completed projects in the field of religious architecture or art. The projects must have been completed within the past five years and must be located in North America.

What are the benefits of winning a Religious Architecture Award?

Winning a Religious Architecture Award can bring significant recognition and prestige to an architect or artist. It can also help to increase visibility and awareness for the project and the community it serves. Additionally, winning an award can help to attract new clients and collaborators who are interested in innovative and creative religious design.

What are the criteria for winning a Religious Architecture Award?

The criteria for winning a Religious Architecture Award include design excellence, creativity, and innovation. Judges evaluate entries based on the quality of the design, the effectiveness of the project in meeting its intended purposes, and the overall impact of the project on the community it serves.

What is the significance of religious architecture in North America?

Religious architecture has played a significant role in the history and culture of North America. From the iconic steeples of New England to the adobe missions of the Southwest, religious structures have provided a sense of identity and continuity for communities across the continent. Today, religious architecture continues to evolve and adapt to changing cultural and social landscapes, reflecting the diversity and creativity of the communities it serves.

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