Sacred ArchitectureThis book is a vivid, richly illustrated exploration of the symbolism and significance of sacred architectural forms - from spires and minarets to pyramids and temples and of how different cultures translate their complex beliefs into physical structures. The authors explain the links between cosmologies and the construction of buildings, and describe the activities of worship, sacrifice, and performance within sacred spaces. The focus ranges widely to show a representative selection of the world's most fascinating sacred buildings, from prehistoric stone circles and Buddhist temples to European cathedrals and New Guinea meeting-houses. The reference section at the back of the book explains the construction techniques behind sacred architecture and analyzes essential forms such as arches, vaults, and domes. |
Contents
Introduction | 8 |
Celestial alignments | 14 |
Temples as mountains | 22 |
Copyright | |
7 other sections not shown
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Common terms and phrases
aligned altar Amun ancient arches architects axis body Borobudur Buddha Buddhist built Byzantine carved cathedral central centre century BC chamber Christian church classical architecture columns consecration containing cosmic cosmos courtyard decorated deities depicting designed divine dome Doric earth Egypt elaborate emperor entrance feng shui gateway gods Gothic Greek temple hall heaven Hindu Hindu temple holy human images India inner sanctum inside interior Islam Jerusalem Kaaba labyrinth mandala Mayan meeting-house megalithic Mesoamerican metres Mexico mihrab monastery monks monuments mosque Mount Meru mountain Muslim myth mythical nave outer paintings Parthenon path PIERS VITEBSKY pilgrims pillar prayer priests pylon pyramid realm reflects relics religions represents rite ritual Roman roof sacred architecture sacred building sacrifice shape Shinto shrine Silbury Hill space spiritual square statue stone structure stupa style symbolic synagogue Teotihuacan tion tomb Toraja tower traditions tree walls Wat Arun worshippers