ex18 modern cathedrals

Modern Cathedrals and How They Compare to the Past

EX18: Design Mini-Flipbook ID 162

Emma Boehm

Modern Cathedrals Introduction

Throughout design history class, one specific type of building we have discussed has been cathedrals. Cathedrals are great representations of architecture and design because of the details and beauty they contain. There are many famous cathedrals that have shaped the world of design today. The Notre Dame Cathedral, St. Paul's Cathedral, and Salisbury Cathedral are just some famous cathedrals and ones that we have learned about in design history. These older cathedrals and similar ones share common characteristics like having high, vaulted ceilings, arches, domes, columns, long hallways, and concrete and wood as materials. Also, light is present in these spaces through windows or stained glass. This semester, by focusing on themes such as theories, technology, finishes, furnishings, and telling stories, I have learned about how cathedrals represent and connect to these themes through my case study building, the Metropolitan Cathedral, which was also a cathedral. Theories allow us to understand the meaning behind design and how different designers perceive design. Technology can refer to structural elements that are built to achieve certain things or modern technology like software, electronics, etc but, technology has been present in design since the beginning. Finishes are used to add surface interest through the space by having glossy or matte finishes or even applying added things to walls like paint or wallpaper. Furnishings are used to create a space within and space and can display comfort, status, and craft. Finally, telling stories is used through the design of the space and details to display ideas like culture, religion, etc. of the people who occupy the space. In researching my case study and other cathedrals, I have come upon more modern cathedrals that look very different on the exterior and interior from older cathedrals but, contain some of the same characteristics. I wanted to research modern cathedrals further to learn how cathedrals have changed over time and the similarities/differences with the new cathedrals that are being built.

Interior image of Notre Dame Cathedral in France.

Interior image of Salisbury Cathedral in England.

Unit 6: Theories

Modern Cathedrals

A theory that relates to the idea of modern cathedrals is the influence the past can have on the future. In looking at and researching old and new cathedrals, certain ideas stay the same. For one, the high ceiling is still being used because it allows sounding to carry and creates a large, open shape for people to worship in. Also, the use of natural light is similar in that there are large windows that allow for light to illuminate the space but, something I have noticed is that there seem to be more uses of light in newer cathedral designs and the overall spaces feel brighter. Then, the idea of many rows of seating facing the area of the stage or where the religious official stands is still present in new cathedral designs. Overall, these specific examples show how characteristics of older cathedrals are still present and have impacted newer, modern cathedrals. These images of St. Peter’s Basilica and Saint-Martin de Donges Cathedral show how past cathedral designs have influenced future ones.

Interior image of St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City.

Interior image of Saint-Martian de Donges Cathedral in France.

Unit 7: Technology

Modern Cathedrals

Technology such as speakers and screens has been a large difference between modern and older cathedrals. In newer cathedrals or even local churches, screens are put in place to show visuals to enhance the experience for people attending the service. With the addition of speakers, it allows for sound to be heard better in the space, especially coming from ministers talking. The Clifton Cathedral is an example of a cathedral that uses technology such as speakers and microphones to allow people to be heard better when giving sermons or worshipping. Also, artificial lighting is another way technology has been added to cathedrals and it has allowed for the space to be brighter and more illuminated. Some cathedrals, like the Jubilee church, use acoustic paneling in worship spaces to absorb sound. The structure of the buildings are built using supports, beams, etc. as technology to create high ceilings that help with acoustics in the space and also make the space more open.

Interior image of Clifton Cathedral in England.

Unit 8: Finishes

Modern Cathedrals

Modern Cathedrals all seem to have similar finishes, all of which are smooth surfaces, some with a reflective or glossy appearance. While this can be seen in most modern cathedrals, one that specifically demonstrates this is the Jubilee Cathedral. The materials used in this cathedral were concrete, stone, wood, stucco, and glass, all of which have a smooth surface and are durable materials and since they are smooth, they are easier to clean. With the finish on the concrete specifically, Italcementi, a manufacturer, made a specific concrete mix that when exposed to types of light, allows for the surface to keep its white appearance which allows the space to feel brighter. Other surfaces like the tile stone flooring have a glossy/reflective finish which allows for natural light to reflect from the skylights above. Overall, these types of finishes all add to the experiences of the users and make the space usable for them.

Interior image of Jubilee Church in Italy.

Unit 9: Furnishings

Modern Cathedrals

In most modern cathedrals, furnishings in spaces are limited. The main type of furnishing that appear in cathedrals is church pews, normally made from wood. The picture on the right show examples of how church pews looks in modern cathedrals. Some follow the look of older cathedrals and have straight rows of wood pews but, some like The Cathedral of Christ the Light, have a rounded worship area, therefore, curved pew seating to fill the space. Also, relating to comfort, some wood pews even have added cushioning and padding to make a more comfortable seat, like the pews in the Minor Basilica of Most Holy Trinity. This shows how furnishings have improved in ways from older cathedrals. Besides church pews as seating, many modern cathedrals have altars that could be made from wood, stone, concrete, etc., and stands for preachers to use to put their books and notes on.

Interior images of the Cathedral of Christ the Light in California.

Interior image of Minor Basilica of Most Holy Trinity in Portugal.

Unit 10: Telling Stories

Modern Cathedrals

Even with a more sleek, modern design, modern cathedrals still tell the story of religion and sacredness. In the past, cathedrals would tell stories through colored paintings or stained glass, and this is still seen in modern examples today. The Kirche am Hohenzollernplatz cathedral in Berlin is a modern example of how stained glass is still used to tell stories. The stained glass tells stories of religion through the pictures they show and the light that illuminates the space adds to the religious experience. Also, different types of figurines that are representative of religious symbols like the cross or Jesus are seen in churches and help tell the story of the church and their religious beliefs.

Interior image of the Kirche am Hohenzollernplatz Cathedral in Berlin.

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