Profile of a Sacred Space

1) General Description - Why was it built? Is its location significant?

2) Architectural Design - What aspects of its design are unique? What engineering techniques are significant? How was the space designed for its function?

3) Harmony with Nature - How is the building (or the site as a whole) oriented? Is the design related to astronomy? Are natural elements or materials used? Was sunlight considered when making the space? Is the site orientated with cardinal points (north, south, east, west) in mind?

4) Symbolism - Are there religious symbols? Do shapes have special meaning?

5) Sacred Objects - What objects are held within the space? Are there relics?

6) How was this space originally used by worshipers?  How did they practice their rituals?  How is it used today?

7) Compare your sacred space with Chartres Cathedral. (Review the video in Canvas or Chartres Cathedral for ideas.) Find at least two similarities and two differences. Discuss how these similarities and differences relate to the function of these spaces. Your two spaces obviously support different religions, so this difference should not be one of your answers. 

a) Similarity # 1

b) Similarity # 2

c) Difference #1

d) Difference #2

8) Sources Used: