Church Architecture

[Nihil Obstat]

I don't mean just any old ultra modern look when I say 'modern'.
This, for instance, would not be good.
[img]http://www.jetsongreen.com/images/2008/03/31/citycenterloftsrendering0803.jpg[/img]

I just think that conceivably, if the church were built as a church that happened to be modern looking, rather than a modern building that happens to be a church... it could be done.
I've not seen it, but I think it could happen.

[mamalove]

I live in an area where there are very few "new" churches. Most were built in the late 1800's early 1900's and they were built in a gothic style. They are stunningly beautiful. They were built to reflect the time. Many non-church buildings of the same era also have gothic elements to them.

We live in a different era. Should new churches being built reflect our lives from 100 years ago, or should they be a reflection of our lives now?

I am no fan of "ultra-modern" design. But, I think churches being built today can be beautiful, serene, and pleasing to the Lord using some current architectural design standards. Plus, the history of the church begins with an accurate portrayal of the era in which it was built. IMHO

[CatherineM]

[quote name='Apotheoun' post='1860498' date='May 7 2009, 01:58 AM']The diocese of Oakland CA finished building its new cathedral:

[img]http://www.christthelightcathedral.org/images/home.jpg[/img]

[url="http://www.christthelightcathedral.org/"][u]Cathedral of Christ the Light (homepage)[/u][/url][/quote]

Is that like a large movie screen projection, or some kind of etched glass treatment?

[LouisvilleFan]

[quote name='Resurrexi' post='1860282' date='May 7 2009, 12:31 AM']...[/quote]

Mind explaining to those who aren't up to speed on their architecture what the Rococo style is? Though I had an idea, I looked it up on wikipedia just make sure... always good to be informed

I answered "No" because churches should be built in a variety of architectural styles, including Rococo, among others.

Edited May 7, 2009 by LouisvilleFan

[LouisvilleFan]

[quote name='Nihil Obstat' post='1860343' date='May 7 2009, 01:07 AM']I would definitely say that it's acceptable. Beautiful too, or can be. I may take some flak for this, but I think that even a church with a very modern design could be beautiful. Personally I don't like ultra modern architecture, but some people really do. I'm not going to say it's never acceptable, as long as the truly important things are done right.

I developed a theory a while back. I think that churches are, almost without exception, the best examples of whatever form/style of architecture they are built in. [/quote]

Assuming it is quality art and architecture...

I agree on modern architecture. There can be valid and deeply spiritual reasons for using relatively plain styles. They aren't necessarily a mere rebellion against a previous generations' tastes. Most modern church architecture has been too experimental or too secular, but that doesn't make all of it an abomination.

FWIW, Notre Dame's School of Architecture is all about going back to classical styles.

[LouisvilleFan]

[quote name='Apotheoun' post='1860498' date='May 7 2009, 03:58 AM']The diocese of Oakland CA finished building its new cathedral:

[img]http://www.christthelightcathedral.org/images/home.jpg[/img]

[url="http://www.christthelightcathedral.org/"][u]Cathedral of Christ the Light (homepage)[/u][/url][/quote]

I like this, actually... not ideal, but a big improvement over some very bad examples of modern church architecture (i.e. the San Francisco Cathedral). This is at least more elegant and attractive than most modern churches and I like how they integrated the iconography. I imagine it's etched glass or something permanent, but it would be pretty sweet if it was lighted and capable of being changed to other icons for different seasons and holy days.

[cmotherofpirl]

[quote name='Apotheoun' post='1860498' date='May 7 2009, 03:58 AM']The diocese of Oakland CA finished building its new cathedral:

[img]http://www.christthelightcathedral.org/images/home.jpg[/img]

[url="http://www.christthelightcathedral.org/"][u]Cathedral of Christ the Light (homepage)[/u][/url][/quote]
I think its terrifying.

[Galloglasses' Alt]

That actually reminds me FAAAAR too much of Big brother. I mean seriously, wow, how'd they manage that? Altough in Reality I've seen much, much worse.

[eagle_eye222001]

[quote name='Apotheoun' post='1860498' date='May 7 2009, 02:58 AM']The diocese of Oakland CA finished building its new cathedral:

[img]http://www.christthelightcathedral.org/images/home.jpg[/img]

[url="http://www.christthelightcathedral.org/"][u]Cathedral of Christ the Light (homepage)[/u][/url][/quote]
[size=6][b]
BORING![/b][/size]

Someone needs to be fired.

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[Apotheoun]

[quote name='cmotherofpirl' post='1860775' date='May 7 2009, 10:42 AM']I think its terrifying.[/quote]
It reminds me of a giant wicker basket.

[cmotherofpirl]

[quote name='Apotheoun' post='1860830' date='May 7 2009, 02:56 PM']It reminds me of a giant wicker basket.[/quote]
Yeah, with some of the inside bits falling down. I am seriously creeped by the image.

[Apotheoun]

I have been there once (i.e., in the new Oakland cathedral), and I must say that it is very plain on the inside, and from the outside -- as you approach the building -- it looks like a nuclear power plant.

I went with some friends who were visiting from Arizona a couple of weeks ago to a hierarchical liturgy at the Russian Orthodox cathedral of the Holy Virgin in San Francisco, and it was a wonderful experience.

[img]http://www.orthodoxhawaii.org/images/IveronIcon/DSC02151.JPG[/img]

[img]http://www.geocities.com/apotheoun/russian_orthodox.jpg[/img]

[img]http://russianorthodox.org/graphix/church.jpg[/img]

Edited May 7, 2009 by Apotheoun

[StColette]

[quote name='Apotheoun' post='1860830' date='May 7 2009, 01:56 PM']It reminds me of a giant wicker basket.[/quote]



This is the inside of where Micah and I were married. I believe it's Romanesque style. I at least know the altar is.

[img]http://www.holytrinity-shreveport.com/Images/P1090570e_sm2.jpg[/img]


I like Rococo too though

[CatherineM]

The only Eastern church I've ever been is was a Ukrainian Catholic church in Winnipeg for a wedding. You definitely knew you were in a church and not a college amphitheater. I also love the colonial era churches in Mexico. If we had that much gold on altar here, it would have been stolen long ago.

[VoTeckam]

I just learned a very valuable lesson... READ the thread before responding to the poll.

I voted "No" because I thought the OP was asking if Rocco was the only acceptable style. Having read the thread I should have voted "yes" because I find Rocco to be an acceptable [i]option[/i].